Oscar-winning actress Rita Moreno has denounced critics of Hollywood celebrities who use their positions to preach divisive politics.
During her acceptance speech after winning an award at the PGA’s on Saturday, Moreno urged Hollywood to continue lecturing the public on left-wing causes.
Moreno said: “I’m 90 now and working in this business has taken tenacity, hard work, advocating for issues of social justice for the last 60 years, it’s been exhausting, exhilarating, and life-giving.
“Had it not been for those steps, that fire inside me as a young woman, I would not be here tonight receiving this wonderous honor.
“I am not a person of religious faith, but for me, film has often been a sacred text that has spurred me to follow what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature.
“In seasons where prophets fall silent and statesman reign, thankfully, filmmakers keep on preaching, and never stop advocating for matters of equity and justice.
“Producer, director Stanley Kramer was one such prophet who never shied from matters of social justice and equity in his body of work.
“We are in the throes of yet another award season.
“Some in our tribe have been known to use the spotlight to advocate for issues addressed in their nominated works.
“Climate change, universal health care, voting rights, LGBTQ advocacy, and others.
“And I know for some in the audience, in some audiences, have been known to create, how should I say, a mild discomfort.
“For others, heart palpitations.
“After all, who are these actors, these Hollywood types think they are?
“Citizens in a democracy?
“Well, f**k ’em”
“Freedom of Speech belongs to all of us, actors,
“And let’s not forget comedians are patriots, too.
“Just look in the direction of Mr. Zelensky in Ukraine.
“I promise I’ll be more charming on another occasion,” she said.
Jessica Chastain presents the PGA’s Stanley Kramer Award to Rita Moreno, 90, who Chastain says introduced herself to Chastain a decade ago by complimenting Chastain’s breasts. Moreno dances to stage, recounts being at MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, gives a great speech of her own pic.twitter.com/ly2amCkCE7
— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) March 20, 2022
Rita Moreno Has A Message For Those Criticizing Actors’ Political Stands: “F*** ‘Em!” – PGA Awards https://t.co/FfJM4zTMnJ
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 20, 2022
