Kate Winslet took home a prestigious award, but it’s what she said after that’s making news.
Over the weekend, Winslet took home the award for best supporting actress at the BAFTAs for her role in “Steve Jobs.” During the backstage press conference, she shared a personal story about growing up and being told the “might do OK if [she] was happy to settle for the fat girl parts.”
Why should she have to “settle” for anything? And why is “fat girl parts” meant to be an insult?
“Fat” is not an insult. “Fat” should not be an insult. “Fat” should be an adjective. It has nothing to do with your moral character or who you are or what you’re capable of. “Fat” is not an insult.
GIFs from HeyUGuys/YouTube.
And so she dedicated the award to women who’ve been put down by others for whatever reason, urging them to push on through criticism to achieve their goals.
Super inspiring, right?
Please clap. GIF from “Citizen Kane.”
But wait, what’s wrong with “fat girl parts”?
That drama teacher who put down Winslet when she was 14 wasn’t just insulting her, but all women — fat and otherwise.
And wouldn’t it be cool if instead of stigmatizing women who don’t fit conventional beauty standards, we celebrated them just as they are? Wouldn’t it be cool if more people in the movies resembled the types of people we see in everyday life?
Here are seven actresses who have embraced body positivity, brushing off the idea that “fat girl parts” are something to be ashamed of.
1. Gabourey Sidibe
2. Melissa McCarthy
3. Amber Riley
4. Rebel Wilson
5. Lena Dunham
6. Nikki Blonsky
7. Kate Winslet — a familiar face!
