Brie Larson took home the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Room last night, beating out Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Lawrence. But her really powerful act took place after Lady Gaga performed her epic ballad about sexual assault, “‘Til It Happens To You,” on stage with dozens of survivors. After Gaga’s emotional performance wrapped, the survivors walked off stage — where every single one of them was hugged by Larson, who had evacuated her seat at some point during the song. Rachel McAdams and Kate Winslet were also spotted with tears in their eyes.
Then best actress fave Brie Larson gets up, hugs each, every one. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/OI3cFZaLtl
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 29, 2016
Sexual assault had a strong presence in the room last night, and also in Room itself. Brie’s character is a survivor who is kidnapped and held captive with her son. It’s nice to be given a positive, shareable way of talking about such a harrowing and complex experience.
Credits
Text Hannah Ongley
Image Room (2015)