While this season’s award ceremonies may have been somewhat lacking in political messaging, Livia Firth and the Green Carpet Fashion Awards are still giving voice to progressive causes during the glitziest time of the year.
In Los Angeles on Wednesday, Firth gathered a starry contingent under the patter of rain on the tented roof of 1 Hotel for a vegetarian dinner and inspirational speeches that included Donatella Versace; Zendaya; John legend; Chrissy Teigen; Annie Lennox; Quannah Chasinghorse; former Irish president Mary Robinson; Garment worker and union leader Kalpona Akter; Ugandan presidential candidate and Oscar nominee Bobi Wine and his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi with Greenlandic Indigenous climate activist and leader Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq.
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It was one of those incredible Hollywood nights.
Lennox raised his hands and spoke the words from his seat as the legend, who was honored by the FreeAmerica foundation for his work to end mass incarceration, sang Bob Marley’s “Emancipation Song” at the podium.
While serving pasta with tomatoes grown using compostable Candiani Coreva denim, Amber Valletta announced to guests that they would “eat their jeans” for the main course. (The same material was used to create the plastic-free stretch denim tuxedo dress designed by Triarchy.)
Jennifer Coolidge and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez jointly unveiled Versace, with Rodriguez touchingly describing how the designer graciously welcomed her to the 2022 Met Gala.
“As a trans woman, as a black trans woman, you don’t know if there’s a place for you and she showed me… I was by a statue by myself and I went up and she said hello and it was such a warm hello and you have no idea how much a hello can change someone’s perspective ,” said Rodriguez.
Accepting the Changemaker Award, Versace said, “I have always tried to embrace change, even when it is very difficult to do so.” “Change is a great teacher. We cannot grow without changing. I learned so much from my time with queer and transgender leaders and activists. I have seen love that defies laws, political boundaries, and institutional religions. I spoke in Italy, where same-sex couples are now banned from starting families. “As you know, this hatred is now sweeping across the United States,” he said, noting the passage of more than 400 anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and the recent death of transgender teenager Nex Benedict. “This is an unspeakable tragedy. “I have been honored as a change maker, and I hope you will consider how you can make the change we need.”
Robinson, the UN high commissioner for human rights and the UN special envoy on climate change, co-founder and president of The Elders and founder of Project Dandelion, was honored for his climate work and implored wealthy nations to help the vulnerable. “You just have to use your voice, use it effectively the way you know how to do it. “Hollywood is all about storytelling and breaking new ground,” he said.
Trudie Styler introduced Angakkorsuaq, who first noticed as a young boy that the Greenland ice pack was melting and made it his life’s work to tell the world about it. “My intention tonight, if possible, is to awaken this beautiful soul of yours and become the protector of our Earth. Without you, billions of people will lose their homes in your lifetime. “Listen to the sound of the wind, it will enter your heart and melt the ice in your heart.”
Atker became known for his fight for workers’ safety and wages; While working in a sweatshop at the age of 12, he became the founder and executive director of the Bangladesh Workers’ Solidarity Centre. “As you leave this room tonight, I urge you to take at least one action that will make a difference for workers down the chain,” he told guests.
Wine was recognized for leading the advancement of the new generation. The Ugandan presidential candidate was the subject of “The People’s President Bobi Wine,” which was nominated for best documentary at the Oscars on Sunday. “We inspire young people to think positively, but most importantly to take responsibility in creative, fashionable and fun ways to change their thoughts and ultimately change the course of their future,” he said.
The evening concluded with Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate, on behalf of a group of young leaders, honoring UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his courage, the clarity of his message, and his work on environmental and social justice. He accepted via video message.
“This incredible night is exactly why the Green Carpet Fashion Awards are different,” Firth said. Fashion and entertainment is our platform, but we are in the business of transformation. “This is how we move the narrative of the climate crisis and how we reshape the world together.”
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