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Salma Hayek's major swipe at men during BAFTAs

Rebekah Scanlan
Updated

Salma Hayek has stood up for women at the 2018 BAFTAs, by sensationally announcing Frances McDormand as the winner of the Best Actor award.

Whilst presenting the award, the actress — who is part of the Time's Up! movement — announced a female winner of the male category, in a powerful swipe that highlighted inequality in the industry.

“In this very important and historical year for women, I am here on this legendary stage to celebrate men,” she told a packed Royal Albert Hall in London.

Salma Hayek was at the BAFTAs to present the Best Actor award. Source: BBC
Salma Hayek was at the BAFTAs to present the Best Actor award. Source: BBC
The men eagerly awaited news of who had won. Source: BBC
The men eagerly awaited news of who had won. Source: BBC

After reading through the nominees, which included Timothee Chalamet, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman, jaws dropped when the 51-year-old read out a female actress' name.

"And the winner is Frances McDormand," she said.

Frances McDormand later won Best Actress, seen here with her Three Billboards co-stars and creators. Source: Getty
Frances McDormand later won Best Actress, seen here with her Three Billboards co-stars and creators. Source: Getty

Moments later, she explained she was 'kidding' and called out the real winner, Gary Oldman, for his performance in Darkest Hour.

Naturally Twitter has erupted over the gag, with many praising the Desperado star for her bold stance.





Some however were less than impressed with her move, calling her out 'ruining' Gary Oldman’s moment in the name of women’s rights.

Gary Oldman was the true winner of the gong. Source: Getty
Gary Oldman was the true winner of the gong. Source: Getty

The actress has previously spoken out about her own experiences of sexism in Hollywood, claiming she was abused by disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein whilst filming Oscar winning movie, Frida.

Sharing her story in a piece for The New York Times, she alleged the movie producer bullied her, forced her to do a lesbian sex scene, and even threatened to kill her when he didn't get his own way.

Many have praised Salma for her sassy comment. Source: BBC
Many have praised Salma for her sassy comment. Source: BBC

"For years, he was my monster," she said.

Frances McDormand later won the award for Best Actress at the 71st annual British Academy Film Awards for her performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

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