Watch Frances McDormand's powerhouse Oscar speech | CBC Radio - Action News
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Watch Frances McDormand's powerhouse Oscar speech

"Look around ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed."

"Look around ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed."

"Look around ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed," said McDormand after getting all of the female Oscar nominees to stand. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements didn't have the same presence at the Oscars as they did at this year's Golden Globe Awards, but actress Frances McDormandbrought gender equality front and centre in her powerhouse Oscars speech.

McDormandpicked up the best actress Oscar for her role inThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,and when she took the stage, she thanked directorMartin McDonagh, her sister, her husband Joel Coen and theirson. "I know you are proud of me," she said, "and that fills me with everlasting joy."

But then McDormandgot down to business. The veteran actress set her Oscar on the floor, gave it a pat on the head, and said, "Now I want to get some perspective."

First she called on all of the female nominees to stand up. "The actors Meryl, you do it andeverybody else will," she said, coaxing Meryl Streep to stand up, which she did enthusiastically.

"Come on. The filmmakers, the producers, the directors, the writers, the cinematographer, the composers, the songwriters, the designers," she saidas thefemale nominees rose to their feet.

"Ok, look around, ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed," she said firmly. "Don't talk to us about it at the parties tonight. Invite us into your office in a couple days, or you can come to ours, whichever suits you best, and we'll tell you all about them."

McDormand thenclosed by referring to a type of clausein a filmcontract that would demand a certain level of diversity within the cast and crew. "I have two words to leave with you tonight," she said. "Ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider."

Watch her full speech here: