The 90th Academy Awards Ceremony aired on ABC on Sunday evening. Early on, the evening began to take on a political tone when host Jimmy Kimmel opened the ceremony with his monologue, making jabs at both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
Perhaps, one of the most profound speeches though was by actress Lupita Nyong’o, who previously won an Oscar for her role as best supporting actress in the film “12 Years A Slave” in 2014. As Nyong’o and Kumail Nunjiani presented the award for production design together, they pointed out that they are both immigrants.
Lupita Nyongo: “Dreams are the foundation of Hollywood. And dreams are the foundation of America.”
Kumail Nanjiani: “To all the dreamers out there, we stand with you.” #Oscars2018 (via THR) pic.twitter.com/n57yh5UBbD— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 5, 2018
Nyong’o, who is from Kenya, said:
‘Like everyone in this room and everyone watching at home, we are dreamers. We grew up dreaming of one day working in the movies. Dreams are the foundation of Hollywood. And dreams are the foundation of America.’
Many people and groups on Twitter expressed their gratitude and support of Nyong’o for her simple, but vitally important speech. Obviously directing her speech at the Trump Administration policies, Nyong’o was an important voice for many immigrants who live in America and deserve to stay.
Here’s what Twitter had to say:
Me too and at age 22 I had my own business and kept working and contributing to this country and it’s people I’d like to add I despise this government/administration . I stand with you
— ash????? (@AshrayOC) March 5, 2018
Once more DACA resist !
— Alida (@palomacreative) March 5, 2018
The Chris Pine joke was funny.??
— Kate (@originlbookgirl) March 5, 2018
Trump’s 4am tweet will include complaint that Dems haven’t done anything but obstruct DACA.
— rmc (@Thelast_try) March 5, 2018
My grandparents were dreamers when they came here from Russia in the early 20th century and I have never been able to be their equal. God bless all dreamers for they are what this country is made of
— Ken Jaffe (@KenJaffe1) March 5, 2018
I wish the audience would have stood.
— nancy rice (@grammy2) March 5, 2018
Lupita Nyong’o’s speech is very timely. According to CNN:
‘Immigration advocates are unveiling a fresh advocacy campaign on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program aimed directly at President Donald Trump — even as a March 5 deadline has been rendered toothless and Congress is retreating from action.’
Many people thank you for your advocacy, Lupita. Please don’t stop using your great voice.
Featured image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
