Jessica Chastain Speaks On The Progress Being Made In The Entertainment Industry
Even though it's a new year, there are still some changes that need to be made. Hollywood is still reeling from the Weinstein epidemic that exposed various actors, producers, directors, and media moguls who have committed horrendous acts in the past.
While 2017 may have ended sourly, it doesn't mean 2018 has to endure the same fate.
Actress Jessica Chastain made sure to remind her fellow actors and actresses of that at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Jan. 2.
A Change Is Going To Come
The Interstellar actress was the recipient of the Chairman's Award, for her portrayal in Molly's Game. The actress took a moment during her speech to encourage the audience of brighter days that lay ahead.
"I want to acknowledge what a difficult year 2017 has been for all of us. Major change is coming. Change is good. Change is needed. We must be better. And we will," the actress stated.
Chastain revealed in 2017 that she herself was silenced by a well-known actor for outspoken opinion on the harassment scandal. The actress publicly slammed Harvey Weinstein and others in the industry who have been outed as sexual predators.
"I was tweeting a lot of the time and actually got an email from a well-known actor that said, 'Calm down, I found that heartbreaking and can only think he didn't understand the movement that was happening,'" she claimed.
Hollywood's Blackout
Chastain was also one of the various actresses that joined the latest anti-harassment sexual movement. "Time's Up," is a campaign that will enforce equal pay and benefits for the female workers in Hollywood as well more job opportunities.
Actresses Kerry Washington, Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, and Shonda Rhimes are a few others who have also joined the cause. In addition to this, it has been reported that certain actors and actresses will be wearing black at the 75th annual Golden Globes Awards. The "black-out" is another movement in which entertainers will stand together in unity against unfair pay and abuse.
The event will also have more female presenters throughout the night, including Gal Gadot, Kerry Washington, and Penelope Cruz.
Oprah Winfrey will be receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which will make her the first African-American woman to receive the prestigious honor.
This is only the beginning as more members of the entertainment industry are making strides to create a safe environment for not only the celebrities, but for everyone.
