Patricia Arquette just won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her twelve year marathon role in Boyhood, and made a major statement on wage equality for women (without being cut off by the music, no less!).
After Arquette went through the mandatory motions of thanking her family, children and the cast and crew of Boyhood, she began to advocate for wage equality for women in a stunning moment that expressed what’s been on Hollywood’s mind for many a year.
“To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America!” she said to raucous applause.
How awesome was this moment? It had Meryl Streep and J. Lo whooping like it was the Super Bowl:
In a year where diversity tensions have been high and the women of the red carpet have been rejecting red carpet voyeurism right and left, this moment is perfectly timed by Arquette and will no doubt have quality advocates cheering for weeks to come.
Even better? If some of her interview footage from earlier tonight is any indication, Arquette had the help of a little liquid courage when making this bold, broadcast-defining statement, according to Jezebel writer Clover Hope.
When asked where her seat was by ABC’s Lara Spencer, Arquette said, “I’m kind of yay around they. Now I’m here and I’m good.”
Patricia, you’re so good.
