Celebrity revolutionaries make Golden Globes a black night for sexism

It would probably be an exercise in Prosecco-fuelled optimism, even in Dry January, to hope that celebrities might lead a revolution. 

However, every now and then one of that caste uses their position to advance positive social change. Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globe speech on Sunday night was one such moment.

She spoke of the seismic shift in power structures in America’s entertainment industry since the once top-of-the-tree Harvey Weinstein was exposed as a serial sexual predator. Even if her audience, the very epitome of the liberal, affluent elite so despised by President Trump and his supporters, were unlikely to challenge her it was an opportunity well-used.

Unfortunately the chasm between the lives of Golden Globe celebrities and the world’s footsoldiers was underlined by the story of BBC presenter Carrie Gracie who, in recent days, felt obliged to resign over pay inequality.

The awards also showed how very well Saoirse Ronan has used her talents and opportunities. She was named best actress for her dazzling performance in Ladybird. London/Irish playwright Martin McDonagh won the best screenplay for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

It is momentarily cheering to bask in their reflected glory but it would be even more cheering if what might be called the Weinstein Never Again Protocol became a cultural convention in Ireland and women were always treated with respect.