The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and of course, the celebration of some of the best television shows and performances of the year. However, amidst all the excitement and celebration, some of the speeches by the winners took a more serious turn as they used their platform to speak about important political causes. Stars including Hannah Einbinder and Javier Bardem took the opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Palestine, and their words were met with both support and criticism. But it was comedian Ricky Gervais who took down a post criticising these speeches, reminding us all that the Emmys, and any awards show for that matter, is not just about entertainment, but also about using our voices to make a positive impact.
Hannah Einbinder, who won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in the hit show ‘Hacks’, used her acceptance speech to speak about the Palestinian cause. She said, “I’m not just a TV show, I’m also a real person with a lot of feelings and thoughts. One of those thoughts is that Palestinians are being killed and they’re being killed by Israeli forces.” Her words were met with a mix of applause and criticism, with some viewers taking to social media to express their disapproval of bringing politics into an awards show.
But Einbinder was not the only one to use her platform to speak about Palestine. Actor Javier Bardem, who won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in ‘The Good Lord Bird’, also spoke about the issue in his acceptance speech. He said, “I stand here today not just as an actor, but as a human being who believes in justice and equality for all. And right now, that means standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
While some may argue that awards shows should stick to entertainment and not delve into politics, it is important to remember that celebrities are also citizens of the world and have the right to use their platform to speak about issues that are close to their hearts. These speeches not only bring attention to important causes, but also inspire others to use their voices for good.
But not everyone was supportive of these speeches. A post on social media criticising the Emmys for allowing political speeches to take place went viral, with many agreeing that awards shows should not be used as a platform for political agendas. However, comedian Ricky Gervais, known for his no-holds-barred approach, took down the post with a simple yet powerful response. He tweeted, “If you’re more offended by people speaking about important issues than the actual issues themselves, then you’re part of the problem.”
Gervais’ response serves as a reminder that we should not shy away from using our voices to speak about important causes, even if it may make some people uncomfortable. The Emmys, and any awards show for that matter, is not just about celebrating entertainment, but also about using our platform to make a positive impact.
In a time where the world is facing numerous challenges, it is important for celebrities to use their platform for good. Whether it’s raising awareness about social issues, advocating for change, or simply using their voice to inspire others, these speeches serve as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to make a positive impact in the world.
So, let us applaud stars like Hannah Einbinder and Javier Bardem for using their platform to speak about important causes like Palestine. And let us also thank Ricky Gervais for reminding us that our voices matter and we should never be afraid to use them. The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards may have been a night of celebration, but it was also a reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter how big or small.
