SAG Awards takes a political turn in wake of Trump’s ban

World Today

MLE SAG AWARDS

The 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were presented Sunday in Los Angeles.

But this year the event took on a political tone, reflecting the turmoil in U.S. politics.

CGTN’s May Lee reports.

The duality of this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG awards) was palpable. On one side is the glamour of Hollywood and on the other is a ban on travelers from seven Muslim countries ordered by U.S. President Trump.

Many actors who attended this year’s awards have voiced their disapproval of the policy, including Viggo Mortensen, Lea Delaria and Naomi Harris.

The dissents started with the beginning of the award ceremony. The dissenters approached the subject with seriousness and humor.

Mahershala Ali won for his supporting role in the film “Moonlight” and shared his own experience of bridging differences with his mother, an ordained minister. Ali converted to Islam 17 years ago.

However, another important issue to Hollywood is creating more roles for minority actors and recognizing their work. This year’s SAG Awards did not disappoint.

Viola Davis won for Best Female Actor in a supporting role for Fences. Her co-star Denzel Washington was awarded Best Male actor in a leading role.

The cast of “Hidden Figures” the true story of African-American female, mathematicians working for NASA, took home the SAG Award.

“This story is about what happens when we put our difference aside and we come together as a human race. We win. Love wins every time,” Taraji P. Henson said.

The final and most highly anticipated chapter in the awards season is the Academy Awards on Feb. 26 when the celebrations will likely be met with more anxiety.