Crystal + Lucy Awards: Honoree Brie Larson questions the lack of diversity among film critics
Brie Larson received honors during Women in Film’s Crystal + Lucy Awards on Wednesday night, but the Oscar winner used her moment at the podium to shine a spotlight on others. “My prepared speech has nothing to do with me,” Larson said jokingly. “I’m so grateful to be up here to receive this award so I cannot thank my family and my team and instead talk about something that’s really important to me.”
She then reminded the audience that earlier this week USC Annenberg’s Inclusive Initiative released a report that found that 76% of top movie critics reviewing the 100 highest-grossing films in 2017 were white males; less than a quarter were white women; less than 10% were unrepresented men; and 2.5% were women of color.
Larson said it was a “huge disconnect” from the U.S. population. “Am I saying that I hate white dudes?” she quipped. “No, I’m not. What I am saying is that if you make a movie that is a love letter to women of color, there is an insanely low chance a woman of color will have the chance to see your movie and review your movie.”
Larson’s speech concluded a night of rousing conversation that included the discussion of inclusion riders and the importance of representation and visibility on screen.
Women in Film’s Crystal + Lucy Awards fundraising dinner, which was presented by Max Mara, Lancome and Lexus at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, has honored women in front of and behind the camera since 1977. This year’s focus was placed on WIF L.A.’s educational and philanthropic programs as well as its advocacy for gender parity for women in various aspects of the industry, as evident from Larson’s speech.
The 45-year-old organization is known for attracting a who’s who of talent who excel in their fields, and this year was no exception. Attendees included Frances McDormand, Ellen Pompeo, Regina Hall, Lake Bell, Alison Brie, Katherine Langford, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Katherine McNamara, Jane Lynch, Rosanna Arquette, Catherine Hardwicke, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Radhika Jones, Stacy L. Smith…