The Time’s Up protest played out across the ceremony.
As had been widely expected, the growing anti-harassment movement was a major presence at the BAFTA awards in London on Sunday night.
Alongside the activities on the red carpet, where black was a central color theme and several stars – including Gemma Arterton, Andrea Riseborough, Gemma Chan, Naomie Harris and Tessa Thompson – were accompanied by activist guests, the Time’s Up message played out heavily in the speeches.
In her opening speech, BAFTA chair Jane Lush said with sadness that bullying and sexual harassment in the business was “hidden in plain sight” and that she wanted this year to be a “catalyst for change,” adding that the “huge gender imbalance was ridiculous.”
On winning his best supporting actor award, Sam Rockwell said he “stands on the shoulders of women, strong, intelligent and righteous women,” adding that it was “important to represent, important to listen. It’s respectful.”
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri producer Graham Broadbent said “meaningful change can happen if we put our minds to it.”
One of the few guests not to wear black was best actress winner Frances McDormand, who referred to her clothing choice by saying “I have a little trouble with compliance.”
But McDormand threw her support behind the Time’s Up movement. “I want you to know that I stand in full solidarity with my sisters in black. I appreciate well organized civil disobedience,” she said, ending her speech with, “Power to the people.”