Why Celebs Wore Green Ribbons at the Emmys
While we were all tuning into the 2015 Emmys for the glitz, the glamour, the dresses and the thrill of seeing our favorite shows take home awards, a few socially conscious celebrities were using the spotlight to promote change. Notice those green ribbons on everyone’s lapels?
Turns out, celebs like Transparent and Girls star Gaby Hoffmann were rocking them were in support of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s #DemandClimateAction campaign, which is circulating a petition to demand environmental action from world leaders convening in Paris this December.
The first celeb to take the stage while donning a green ribbon was Jeffrey Tambor, who picked up an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series. While at the mic, he dedicated his award to the trans community. In an impassioned speech, he thanked them for their patience, courage, stories and inspiration. To learn more about how to support the trans community, you can check out the excellent National Center for Transgender Equality.
While Viola Davis may not have been wearing a green ribbon, her acceptance speech for best actress in a drama was hands down the best one of the night. Viola opened with a powerful Harriet Tubman quote and then said, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.” She followed up by calling attention to all of the incredible black actresses on television. Hollywood still has a ways to go before it reflects the diverse world we live in, but with actresses like Viola propelling the conversation, here’s to hoping we can get there faster.
Environmentalism, equality and representation for all? Those are three causes whose ambassadors deserve awards all their own.
What causes do you support and why? Share in the comments below.
(Photo via Kevin Winter, Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
