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Canadian actress Amrit Kaur calls for ceasefire during awards acceptance speech
During her acceptance speech, Kaur took a stand on the issue of Palestine, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.
Amrit Kaur / Image- Instagram
Indian-origin actor Amrit Kaur received the award for Best Performance in a Leading Role (Drama) at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards. She was recognized for her role her role in Fawzia Mirza’s ‘The Queen of My Dreams.’
During her acceptance speech, Kaur took a stand on the issue of Palestine, a moment that has since gone viral on social media, earning widespread praise for her courage in addressing crucial issues.
In her speech, Kaur highlighted the enduring impact of colonization, lamenting the division and conflict it has bred. “I refuse to sacrifice and live in the hatred of humanity. Ceasefire now. Free Palestine,” Kaur said as she emphasized the responsibility of artists to empathize and speak out, despite the risks involved.
“It’s a scary time to be an artist. I am scared. I am scared to speak up. But this honour reminds me that I am an artist. And as an artist, it is my job to feel and to empathize,” she said.
Addressing those who caution artists against speaking out, she added, “For those of you who are telling us artists not to speak up in fear of losing jobs, in fear of losing careers, in fear of losing reputation, you are telling us not to be artists.”
Her speech resonated widely on social media, amassing over 28,000 likes and sparking conversations about the role of artists in advocating for social justice. Messages of support poured in, with one Gaza resident expressing gratitude for Kaur’s solidarity.
Kaur’s advocacy comes at a time when celebrities face repercussions for expressing similar views. Notably, actress Mexican actress Melissa Barrera was ousted from a project last year, while Irish actress Nicola Coughlan faced warnings about potential career ramifications for her public support of Gaza.
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