Eternals star Angelina Jolie may not have been present at the 2021 ELLE Women in Hollywood event, but her words were heard loud and clear. The actress wisely chose to stay home after potential exposure to COVID-19 yet still managed to share her sentiments with the crowd.
On Tuesday night at the Dolby Terrace at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, this year’s host Eva Longoria did double duty by reading Jolie’s speech in her stead. “I should do it really slow,” Longoria joked. “She talks really slow and deliberate.”
Read Jolie’s speech in full below.
“I am thinking tonight of all the women who are bringing us through the pandemic: the scientists, the doctors, nurses… so many others who are showing us what strength and sacrifice are and whose contribution transcends borders.
One of the best things about being part of the Eternals was working with such a global cast, with women who were born in countries where the struggle for equality and rights is even more challenging than it is here. Women who know that what makes them different is what makes them beautiful and gives them even more to contribute. I feel truly honored to be part of this sisterhood.
We’ve all felt quite small at times. We have all felt scared and alone and working in this business probably often felt valued for the wrong things or taken advantage of. Every woman has probably experienced double standards, abuse of power, and the lack of accountability, and has had to fight to stay soft and open. For as much as we discuss inequality here, it is nothing compared to the limitations and abuse that women face in many other parts of the world. So while we fight here, we have to look outside of here to the women and girls who are refugees, who are stateless, who are facing hunger and violence and fighting every day for basic rights and respect.
To every young girl listening, know this: It is a gift to be a woman. That others may choose to suggest it is in any way less only shows their fear of your power. Stay kind and soft, but own that power. Angelina.”
Claire Stern
Deputy Editor
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com.
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