Jessica Chastain Speaks Up About Diversity in Hollywood, Or Lack Thereof

 

Jessica Chastain has never worried about speaking up about the things she thinks are important. This week, Chastain is speaking up about the lack of diversity in the Academy Awards nominations (mostly white people, as usual, and mainly white men), and about the lack of diversity in Hollywood overall.

In her acceptance speech at the Critics’ Choice Awards on Thursday night, Jessica Chastain spoke up about the lack of diversity in the movie industry in a big way.

“Today is Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, so it got me thinking about our need to build the strength of diversity in our industry, and to stand together against homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic and racist agendas,” Chastain said. “Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ and I would like to encourage everyone in this room to please speak up. Thank you.”

Chastain also carried that message to Instagram, where she posted photographs of herself at the Critics’ Choice Awards, with the message:

“Awards are a reflection of the lack of diversity in the arts, but the core of the issue lies with those making films. We need a variety of stories to represent everyone in our community.”

Way to go, Jessica.

About Michelle Topham

I'm a Brit-American journalist, former radio DJ at 97X WOXY, and Founder/CEO of Leo Sigh. I'm also obsessed with music, anime, manga, and K-dramas. Help!