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Not Many People Are Talking About Amy Adams' Golden Globes Speech, But It Deserves To Be Seen Again

Usually when an actor wins a prestigious award, about halfway through they start grudgingly thanking their competition. Cut to half-hearted applause and grimacing by a losing actor and repeat until done. Amy Adams doesn't do that because she doesn't consider other awesome women getting big-time roles competition at all. The good part starts about a minute in.


So yeah, this is 100% on point. What's important is not that one woman won one award but that we're seeing more baller women in more interesting, more prominent roles in more TV and movies. So that people like Amy's 4-year-old daughter grow up seeing themselves represented as real, complex people, not just as somebody's wife or girlfriend or object of desire.

And women really are killing it right now. Let's run down the list, starting with just the people in the room.


Helen Mirren

in "The Hundred-Foot Journey."

Francis McDormand and Julia Louis Dreyfus

in "Olive Kitteridge" and "Veep."

Meryl Streep

in "Into The Woods" and — COME ON IT'S MERYL STREEP, 'NOUGH SAID PEOPLE.

And let's not forget...

Maggie Gyllenhaal

in "The Honourable Woman," who even spoke to the issue last night in her own acceptance speech.

And then there's...

Taylor Schilling

in "Orange Is the New Black."

Julianna Margulies

in "The Good Wife."

Edie Falco

in "Nurse Jackie."

And that's before we get to all the incredible women of color dominating TV right now.

Gina Rodriguez

in "Jane the Virgin."

And then of course...

Viola Davis

in "How to Get Away with Murder."

Kerry Washington

in "Scandal."

Nicole Beharie

in "Sleepy Hollow."

Tracee Ellis Ross

in "Blackish."

Women are still very underrepresented in the entertainment industry, especially in positions of power and influence, and many would argue that more visibility isn't enough to make real change happen. Still, it's hard to deny that a real shift is taking place.

What do you think? Let us know @Upworthy!

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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