Oscars Will Observe a ‘Moment’ for #MeToo as $21M Is Raised in First 60 Days of Time’s Up
The Oscars will observe a moment of recognition for #MeToo and Time’s Up during the 90th annual Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night, Variety reports. The announcement came directly from leaders of the Time’s Up organization, including founding members Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, Laura Dern, and Tess Thompson. While they did specify exactly how the growing movement for women’s equality would be acknowledged, DuVernay said: “There’s a moment that’s been carved out.”
Time’s Up launched publicly during the Golden Globes when its supporters wore all black on the red-carpet. There are no such plans for Oscar night.
“We’re trying to build something that’s sustainable, lasting and serious,” said DuVernay. Time’s Up was “launched on the red carpet, but was never intended to live there,” Rhimes said.
The Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund has raised $21 million from 20,000 donors since its launch 60 days ago. The fund is intended to provide legal assistance to women across the country in all industries, and will commence doling out funds next week.
Time’s Up also a announced a partnership with StoryCorps, which will include stories from Ashley Judd, Jane Fonda and America Ferrera. The goal is to put a human face behind the effects of gender discrimination and sexual harassment, and to broaden the conversation beyond #MeToo. “Sexual harassment is a symptom of a system and a culture, so the story becomes really important,” said DuVernay.
