The Australian bush fires may be 12,060 kilometres away from Los Angeles, but that hasn’t stopped the devastation from being at the forefront of Hollywood’s mind.
During the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Hollywood stars acknowledged the fires, sending “thoughts and prayers”, asking for donations and using the historic fires as a political statement against climate change.
Cate Blanchett
After Blanchett thanked presenters for acknowledging the fires, she herself praised the volunteer firefighters who are working tirelessly to put out the blazes.
“We’re all very grateful for the call outs to our compatriots so, thank you,” Blanchett said.
“I want to do a special call-out to the volunteer firefighters at the centre of the climate disaster facing Australia and of course, when one country faces a climate disaster, we all face a climate disaster.”
“We’re in it together,” she said.
Russell Crowe
He may not have been in the room to accept the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, however, Crowe delivered one of the most important statements of the night.
“Russell Crowe could not be here tonight because he is at home in Australia protecting his family from the devastating bush fires,” presenter Jennifer Aniston read, before reading the message Crowe asked to be read out if he won.
“Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change based. We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is — that way, we all have a future. Thank you.”
Russell Crowe, in absentia, with perhaps the most poignant statement you'll hear tonight pic.twitter.com/Tx0H5RruoU
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 6, 2020
Ellen DeGeneres
During her acceptance speech upon receiving the Carol Burnett Award, DeGeneres took a moment to share her thoughts on the fires.
“My heart goes out to everyone in Australia, for all the animals you’ve lost,” the comedian said — made more poignant because of the fact that her wife wife, Portia De Rossi, is Australian.
Joaquin Phoenix
“It’s really nice that so many people come up and sent their well-wishes but we have to do more than that, right?” Phoenix said during his acceptance speech for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama.
“Such a beautiful gesture and I am a, uh, I have not always been a virtuous man,” he added.
“I’m learning so much, so many of you in this room have given me multiple opportunities to get it right.”
Several winners also made a plea for people to vote in the upcoming US election, but Phoenix was determined it wasn’t enough.
“It’s great to vote but sometimes we have to take that responsibility on ourselves and make changes and sacrifices in our own lives and I hope that we can do that, we don’t have to take private jets to Palm Springs sometimes or back, please,” he said.
“I’ll try to do better and I hope you will too thank you so much for putting up with me. I’m so grateful for this night and all of you, thank you.”
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan, along with his sons Dylan and Paris, acknowledged the fires, and sent their thoughts to those affected.
“Stay strong, we’re with you, God bless,” Brosnan said.
If you can, please consider donating to one of the organisations below — your donation will directly benefit bushfire victims, communities and animals affected.
Donate to the NSW Rural Fire Service
Donate to the Victorian Bushfire Relief
Donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund
Donate to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal
Donate to St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal
Donate to WIRES