Cuts to Planned Parenthood, the renewed global gag rule, ending the Let Girls Learn initiative — times have been especially trying for U.S. feminists lately. Luckily, the success of Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” — plus the fact that it’s just an awesome movie — has injected some much-needed optimism into the cultural conversation, especially as it pertains to women. And it seems high-profile ladies like Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Banks agree.
At Women in Film (WIF) Los Angeles’ Crystal + Lucy Awards last night, Clinton addressed Crystal Award for Excellence in Film honoree Banks in a surprise video appearance, The Hollywood Reporter writes. The 2016 presidential candidate and former Secretary of State revealed the connection she feels to Wonder Woman. “Something tells me that a movie about a strong, powerful woman fighting to save the world from a massive international disaster is right up my alley,” Clinton commented.
The winner of the popular vote lauded Banks for her work as an actress, director, and activist. “You’re not only a creative force in front of the camera and behind it, you are a passionate advocate for women’s equality and opportunity; I can vouch for that,” Clinton said.
As Banks accepted the award, she mentioned her sons and her determination to expose them to women-centric stories like that of Diana Prince. “They are too young to see ‘Wonder Woman,’ but they’re going to love it,” Banks emphasized. “I am so proud that I get to raise my two boys to love women.”
The actress and “Pitch Perfect 2” director also explained how she has changed as a feminist during her time in show business. Reminiscing about a Q&A event from several years ago, “Banks recalled that a woman asked something about how to improve female representation onscreen,” THR details. “[The woman] noted the difficulties of getting her two sons interested in seeing a movie about or starring girls.”
“I have been fueled in this industry a lot by anger and jealousy,” Banks stated. “I was really angry at this woman and I didn’t have the words or the voice in that moment to tell her how crazy it is. ‘You’re their mother. Buy a fucking ticket to a movie and take them and give them the experience of seeing amazing women on film.’ I didn’t have that voice then, but I have it now.”
And she used it last night to confront directors like Steven Spielberg for the lack of prominent female roles in their films. “I went to ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Jaws’ and every movie Steven Spielberg ever made, and by the way, he’s never made a movie with a female lead,” Banks said. “Sorry, Steven. I don’t mean to call your ass out, but it’s true.” [It’s not: Spielberg’s “The BFG” and “The Color Purple” are women-led, but they’re the exception, not the rule.]
Among the ceremony’s other highlights were Michelle Obama and California Sen. Kamala Harris’ praise for Lucy Award for Excellence in Television recipient Tracee Ellis Ross. “I’m so grateful for your support and friendship and your sense of humor,” Harris told Ross. “I can’t think of a more fitting person to receive this distinguished award.” Donna Langley of Universal Pictures — the studio behind the “Pitch Perfect” franchise — complimented Banks for being an “amazing ball of power.” The ceremony also saw a preview of “Flip the Script,” a new WIF web series that reverses gender roles in everyday situations in the entertainment industry. The series’ first episode is now available on YouTube.
Check out Clinton’s message to Banks below.
During surprise video to honor @ElizabethBanks, @HillaryClinton offers desire to see @WonderWomanFilm @PattyJenks #CrystalLucys @WomenInFilm https://t.co/IbecmyGDJz
