Gal Gadot proves she's a real-life Wonder Woman with inspiring Critics' Choice Awards speech
Genuine wonder woman Gal Gadot delivered one heck of an inspiring speech at the 23rd Critics’ Choice Awards on Thursday.
Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins presented the DC star with the #SeeHer Award, which recognizes actors who present female characters with accuracy and integrity, challenging female stereotypes both on screen and within the entertainment industry.
"She didn't do it for the glory. She didn't do it for the fame. She's not here for the money. She did it for us. She knew the great importance of this character and what she could mean to the world if well done," said Jenkins before presenting the award to Gadot, who led the film that would cross the $5 billion mark at the global box office in 2017.
"Throughout my career, I was always asked to describe my dream role," began Gadot. "It was clear to me that I wanted to play a strong and independent woman — a real one."
Gadot says she found these qualities in her role as Wonder Woman.
"She's full of heart, strength, compassion, and forgiveness," she said of her on-screen counterpart. "She sees wrong that must be made right. She takes action when everyone around her is idle. She commands the attention of the world, and in doing so, she sets a positive example for humanity ... She gets confused, insecure, and she's not perfect — and that's what makes her real."
"We wanted her to be universal, to be an inspiration to all people all around the world, and our plan was to make sure we didn't give too much attention to the fact that she's a woman."
Gadot then brings it back to reality, and the challenges she has faced, noting that although Hollywood seems progressive, we're not there yet in terms of total equality.
"When I started acting, there were very few female-led movies, and even fewer female directors. This year, three of the top-grossing films were female-led, and one of them was directed by my wonderful Patty Jenkins. There were eight other films in [the] top 100 which were directed by females. So although this is progress, there is still a long way to go." And she's right — the percentage of women behind the camera has not changed in 20 years.
Turning her attention to the Time's Up and #MeToo movements, which strive to quash systemic sexual harassment and abuse running through Hollywood and other industries, Gadot pledged her support.
"In the past weeks and months, we've been witnessing a movement in our industry and society, and I want to share this award with all the women and men who stand for what's right: Standing for those who can't stand or speak for themselves. My promise and commitment to all of you is that I will never be silenced, and we will continue [to] band together to make strides, uniting for equality."
Alongside Gadot's award, Wonder Woman received three Critics’ Choice nominations, for costume design, visual effects, and best action movie. Gadot will team up with Jenkins again for Wonder Woman 2, set for release on Nov. 1, 2019.
Go get 'em, Gal.
Topics Wonder Woman Celebrities
Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror.
