The ’90s was an era of cult classics. From Quentin Tarantino’s enchanting tales of stylized violence to feel-good films like Pretty Woman and Clueless, Hollywood back then was riding on a magnificent high of wild memories and unbridled glory. Naturally, the groundbreaking cinematic experience from that time is also one bearing the insignia of heavy nostalgia.
But while the audience reveled in the awe-inspiring movies of the ’90s, the stars didn’t seem to be having nearly as much fun, and that at least stands true for Michelle Pfeiffer. The Scarface actress was more infuriated by the deteriorating condition of the male-dominated film industry and how it affected female roles in movies than she was thrilled with the quality of cinema. And her lamentations, in turn, displeased Meryl Streep.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Infamous ’90s Award Speech
Michelle Pfeiffer has spent four long decades as one of Hollywood’s most prolific and profitable actresses. But famous films like Batman Returns and Grease 2 aren’t the only reason why she attracted attention, her cutting speech at a 1993 award show also made heads turn.
During the 17th Annual Women in Film Awards, when Pfeiffer went on stage to accept her Crystal Award, she lit the evening ablaze with her brutal speech criticizing female stars accepting what seemed to be derogatory roles in movies. Taunting projects like Indecent Proposal, Mad Dog Glory, and Pretty Woman, Pfeiffer, 65, claimed how the prospect of selling one’s body for s*x should be discouraged in the film industry [via LA Times].
“So..this is the year of the woman. Well, yes, it’s actually been a very good year for women. Demi Moore was sold to Robert Redford for $1 million, Uma Thurman went for $40,000 to Mr. [Robert] De Niro, and just three years ago, Richard Gere bought Julia Roberts for […] $3,000? I’d say that was real progress.”
While her words garnered an uproar from the audience at the award ceremony, many frowned upon that speech of hers, including Meryl Streep, something that she would go on to talk about a year later.
Meryl Streep Found Michelle Pfeiffer’s Speech Unflattering
Renowned for her endless talent and striking versatility, Streep is regarded to be one of the greatest actresses of her generation and undoubtedly, an industry icon. And while The Devil Wears Prada star has been vocal about the ordeals of sexism and lack of feminism in the industry, she wasn’t stirred by Pfeiffer’s controversial speech in the least.
When she talked to EW about it, Streep, 73, remarked how the Ant-Man star’s words would only do good to those who happened to share similar feelings, it wouldn’t bring about a wave of change that seemed to be Pfeiffer’s aim.
“There’s no benefit to giving that speech – none, except in the hearts of the people you reach. Most people won’t get up and give it, but it’s a truth that everyone knows. It’s like talking about someone’s bathroom habits in public. It’s just not attractive.”
Agreeing with Streep, Fatal Attraction star Glenn Close then chimed in, claiming how “everyone wants f – -able women in their movies,” and that it’s definitely a part of Hollywood that people should accept, something that needed to be accepted.
Source: Simply Streep
