Janelle Monáe Reflects On ‘Deeply Personal’ Roles That ‘Shed Light On A Human Experience’ In Critics Choice Awards Speech
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Star Janelle Monáe At the ceremony, she was awarded the SeeHer Award. Critics Choice Awards Sunday, for their inclusion work and representation at Hollywood.
The SeeHer Award honors individuals who promote gender equality, challenge stereotypes, portray authentic characters, and push the boundaries of the industry. During their speech, Monáe reflected on their own journey with identity, saying: “There were so many times in my life where I couldn’t see my light. I couldn’t see past my circumstances.”
More on Deadline
“If you know my story, I wasn’t supposed to make it outta Kansas City, Kansas and be here tonight. I wasn’t. I didn’t see the vision clearly for myself,” they continued. “I couldn’t see my gift. I couldn’t see what my purpose was supposed to be at that time. God, thank you for the many others who saw my purpose. They didn’t give up on me and they gave me opportunity despite my own lack of confidence. So anyone out there like me watching right now, I just want you to know that I’ve seen you, but I challenge you to see you.”
Monáe also spoke about some her trailblazing roles, including NASA aerospace engineer Mary Jackson in Hidden Figures Dorothy Pitman Hughes, activist and feminist icon, is featured in The Glorias, who they described as “just a few of the characters I’ve had the honor of playing.”
“I’ve tried to make an effort in my work — whether it’s storytelling through music and film, through TV and fashion, through literature — highlight the ones who have been pushed to the margins of society, who’ve been outcasted or relegated,” they said, describing it as a “deeply personal choice” due to their own life experiences, from growing up with working class parents to coming out as non-binary.
“We are able to shed light on a human experience, an experience that most people around this world won’t get an opportunity to see,” she said. “I keep this glimpse of hope in my heart that when someone meets a character like the ones I’ve had an opportunity to play, you be more empathetic to their experience.”
The Best of Deadline
Register now Deadline’s Newsletter. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news Facebook, TwitterAnd Instagram.