The 77th Annual Golden Globes ceremony kicked off today in LA and though host Ricky Gervais tried his best to shock and awe, the raging bushfires were the issue on everyone’s lips.
Despite Gervais’ opening monologue warning winners to “Come up accept your award, don’t talk politics and get the f**k off stage”, The Act star Patricia Arquette came out hot with a desperate diatribe.
"The United States of America, a President tweeting out a threat of 52 bombs including cultural sites. Young people risking their lives traveling across the world,” Arquette began.
“People not knowing if bombs are going to drop on their kids heads and the continent of Australia on fire."
Next up was Aussie export, Cate Blanchett who used her presenting time to shout out the real heroes of the bushfire disaster.
“I wanted to do a special call out to the volunteer firefighters who have been at the centre of battling the climate disaster that is facing Australia,” Blanchett said.
When one country faces a climate disaster, we all face a climate disaster.
Ellen DeGeneres picked up the Carol Burnett Award for Achievement in Television and opened her speech with a reference to the bushfires.
"Before I say anything: Australia, I love you," she said.
"My heart goes out to everyone who's suffering in Australia, all the animals we've lost."
Some award-winners pushed the issue even further, like Russell Crowe, who won Best Actor in a mini-series but couldn’t attend the ceremony because of the fires.
He sent a strongly worded message in his place.
"Make no mistake the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change based,” Crowe said in a statement read by actor Jennifer Aniston.
"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.”
Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix also used his Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama speech to call out the Hollywood elite for not doing enough to stall climate change.
"Contrary to popular belief, I don't want to rock the boat, but the boat is f***ing rocked," the actor began.
"It's really nice that so many people have come up and sent their well wishes to Australia but we have to do more than that, right?"
Post-ceremony, even more celebs had words to say about the situation in Australia at the moment.
“We’re doing what we can to push attention to add credence to the science that proves we need to take action,” said Best Actress in a Drama winner Renee Zellweger.
Fleabag star, Phoebe Waller-Bridge also used her post-win interview to announce that she would be auctioning off her ceremony outfit, a bedazzled suit by Australian expatriate brand Ralph & Russo, with proceeds going to bushfire relief.
