Frances McDormand praises Three Billboards-style activism in rousing Baftas acceptance speech
Anyone’s who’s been keeping an eye on the awards circuit this season will know that Frances McDormand is one of the greatest women in Hollywood, who also happens to make some of the best speeches.
And her speech at this year’s Baftas ceremony was no different, but had an added poignancy after many people took inspiration from her winning film, Three Billboards Outside Missouri, for their own political protests in recent weeks.
The 60-year-old took the time in her speech to let the public know that she recognised and applauded the ‘positive public discourse’ which the film has inspired.
‘I want to say that I appreciate a well-organised act of civil disobedience, and I am thrilled that activists all over the world have been inspired by the set decoration of the Three Billboards in Martin’s film,’ the actress said. ‘And [who] have taken to the streets, and let it be a part of the positive public discourse that’s happening.’
‘And I want thank Blueprint Productions and FilmFour and Fox Searchlight for carefully shepherding Martin’s films, Guillermo’s [Del Toro] films, because not only are they entertaining, they encourage a longer and broader cultural conversation.’
The film sees Frances’ character, Mildred, attempt to chastise the local police in the fictional town Ebbing with three huge billboards for not solving the rape and murder of her daughter.
In recent weeks many have used the powerful visual technique in real life, too.
In London earlier this week, Grenfell tower protesters used the iconic movie scene to urge authorities not to forget the tragedy.
Activists called for justice for victims and survivors of the tower block blaze mounted their billboards on the back of lorries.
The signs read: ’71 dead. And still no arrests? How come?’
The same tactic was applied in Florida on Friday outside senator Marco Rubio’s office in response to the Parkland school shooting.
The red signs cruising around the Miami area said: ‘Slaughtered in school. And still no gun control? How come, Marco Rubio?’
The Hollywood veteran also addressed the Time’s Up movement and the fact she chose not to wear red to the event with classic McDormand flair.
‘As Martin said I have a little trouble with compliance,’ she said in reference to her colourful outfit, to which she receieved raucous cheers.
‘But I want you to know I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black.’
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