Mary Murphy
10 Stars Who Used Awards Shows to Make Powerful Statements
Awards shows are glamorous nights filled with glittering gowns, emotional speeches, and memorable moments.
But sometimes, celebrities use their time in the spotlight to do something even more important: speak up for causes they believe in.
From civil rights to climate change, these brave stars turned their acceptance speeches and red carpet appearances into powerful calls for change that inspired millions around the world.
1. Sacheen Littlefeather (for Marlon Brando)
When Marlon Brando won Best Actor at the 1973 Oscars, he didn’t show up to accept his award.
Instead, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist, to decline the honor on his behalf.
Littlefeather stood before a stunned audience and explained that Brando was refusing the award to protest Hollywood’s unfair portrayal of Native Americans in movies.
She also spoke about the U.S. government’s mistreatment of Indigenous peoples, including the ongoing standoff at Wounded Knee.
Her brave appearance sparked conversations about representation and respect.
Though some audience members booed, her message reached millions watching at home and remains one of the most courageous moments in Oscar history.
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
After waiting over two decades for his first Oscar, Leonardo DiCaprio finally won Best Actor in 2016 for his role in “The Revenant.”
But instead of just thanking his team, he used his acceptance speech to address something much bigger: climate change.
DiCaprio warned the audience and viewers worldwide that our planet is facing a serious crisis.
He explained that climate change is real and happening right now, affecting communities everywhere.
He urged people to work together immediately to protect our environment for future generations.
His passionate plea reached hundreds of millions of viewers globally.
By using his long-awaited Oscar moment to discuss environmental issues, DiCaprio showed that celebrity voices can help raise awareness about urgent problems.
3. Patricia Arquette
Winning Best Supporting Actress at the 2015 Oscars for “Boyhood,” Patricia Arquette delivered a speech that got everyone talking.
She boldly called for equal pay for women, declaring that it was time for wage equality once and for all.
Arquette pointed out that women in America still earn less than men for doing the same work.
Her passionate demand for fairness received a standing ovation from many celebrities in the audience, including Meryl Streep, who cheered enthusiastically.
The speech went viral immediately and sparked countless discussions on social media, in newsrooms, and at dinner tables across the country.
Arquette’s powerful words helped push the conversation about gender pay equality into the mainstream spotlight.
4. Chappell Roan
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, rising pop star Chappell Roan won Best New Artist and used her moment to speak up for fellow musicians.
Rather than simply celebrating her success, she addressed the real struggles artists face behind the glamorous image.
Roan emphasized that musicians need livable wages and accessible healthcare.
She explained how many talented artists work incredibly hard but struggle to afford basic necessities like medical care and fair compensation.
Her honest speech resonated with countless musicians who’ve faced similar challenges.
By highlighting these often-ignored issues on music’s biggest night, Roan showed that success means using your platform to help others climb the ladder too.
Her words sparked important conversations about fairness in the music industry.
5. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has always been an advocate for outsiders and marginalized communities.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, she took a powerful stand for transgender people during her acceptance speech.
Gaga declared that trans people deserve visibility, dignity, and protection.
She spoke directly to transgender fans watching, letting them know they are valued and loved.
Her message came at a time when transgender rights face increasing challenges across America.
Known for her LGBTQ+ advocacy throughout her career, Gaga’s Grammy moment reinforced her commitment to equality.
By using one of music’s biggest stages to defend trans rights, she sent a clear message of support that reached millions and reminded everyone that acceptance matters.
6. Alicia Keys
As a celebrated artist and Grammy host, Alicia Keys used her platform at the 2025 Grammy Awards to make a statement about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
She didn’t shy away from addressing controversial topics that some people want to avoid.
Keys emphasized that DEI isn’t just a trendy phrase but something essential to creative progress.
She explained how diverse voices and perspectives make music richer, more interesting, and more meaningful for everyone.
Her comments came during ongoing debates about diversity initiatives in workplaces and schools across America.
By defending these values on music’s biggest night, Keys reminded audiences that inclusion strengthens communities and creativity.
Her words encouraged people to embrace differences rather than fear them.
7. Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali made history at the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards, becoming the first Muslim actor to win a SAG Award.
During his acceptance speech, he shared a deeply personal story about his identity and faith.
Ali spoke about his experience as a Muslim American, indirectly addressing the discrimination many Muslims face.
His speech came just days after President Trump announced a controversial travel ban affecting several Muslim-majority countries.
Without being overtly political, Ali’s words carried powerful meaning.
He reminded audiences that Muslim Americans contribute to society in countless positive ways.
His graceful speech highlighted the importance of understanding and respecting people from all backgrounds, especially during divisive times when fear threatens to overcome compassion.
8. Simon Helberg
Sometimes powerful statements don’t require words at all.
“Big Bang Theory” star Simon Helberg proved this at the 2017 SAG Awards when he walked the red carpet holding a handmade protest sign.
His sign read “Refugees Welcome,” directly opposing President Trump’s executive order banning travelers from certain countries.
Helberg’s wife held a sign supporting the American Civil Liberties Union, which was fighting the ban in courts.
While other celebrities made statements through speeches, Helberg chose visual protest before even entering the venue.
Photographers captured his sign, spreading his message worldwide through news outlets and social media.
His simple act demonstrated that standing up for beliefs doesn’t always require a microphone or trophy.
9. Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o’s first Oscar win in 2014 for “12 Years a Slave” came with a deeply moving message about beauty and self-worth.
She shared a story about a young girl who wrote to her, saying Nyong’o’s dark skin gave her hope.
Nyong’o delivered an emotional message affirming that beauty comes in all shades.
She spoke about growing up wishing her skin were lighter and how she learned to embrace herself.
Her words addressed colorism and representation issues affecting Black communities worldwide.
The speech resonated far beyond the auditorium, inspiring countless people struggling with self-acceptance.
By celebrating her identity on such a prominent stage, Nyong’o helped change conversations about beauty standards and representation in media.
10. Sally Field
Sally Field’s 2007 Emmy Award acceptance speech became one of the most controversial moments in awards show history.
Winning for her role in “Brothers and Sisters,” Field used her time to make a bold anti-war statement.
She began expressing gratitude for playing a mother character, then pivoted to discussing real mothers whose children were fighting in Iraq.
Field declared that if mothers ruled the world, wars wouldn’t happen.
Her language became so politically charged that censors cut her microphone during the live broadcast.
Despite—or perhaps because of—the censorship, Field’s message reached millions.
The controversy sparked debates about free speech, celebrity activism, and the Iraq War itself.
Her willingness to speak out, knowing she might face backlash, demonstrated true courage.
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