ean Smart, 74, turned the Golden Globes red carpet into a platform for more than fashion and entertainment. The Hacks star, who later won her third Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy, spoke candidly about her fears for the country and the political turmoil overshadowing Hollywood’s biggest night.
“Everything’s Overshadowed”
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Smart admitted she couldn’t focus only on her career or her hit HBO series. “Everything’s kind of, a little bit overshadowed, with what’s going on in our country,” she said.
She explained that filming the fifth and final season of Hacks was going well, but her mind was on current affairs. “I feel like we’re kind of at a turning point in this country, and I hope people can keep their heads. That’s actually, really, the hardest thing — to keep our heads. It’s going to take a lot of courage and a lot of restraint, but I think that’s important.”
A Citizen, Not Just an Actress
Smart acknowledged that some viewers dislike when actors use award shows to talk politics. But she insisted she was speaking as a mother and citizen, not just a performer. “I know that there are people who find it annoying when actors take opportunities like this to talk about social and political things. But I’m not here right now speaking as an actress, I’m just speaking as a citizen and a mom, and I hope people understand that.”
“A Moment of Reckoning”
In another interview with Variety, Smart expanded on her concerns. “I’m not as optimistic about things these days, about the world these days, but I just hope people realize how important what’s going on is right now. Really, this is kind of a moment of reckoning, I think, in this country. And I just hope that people do the right thing, and I think almost everybody knows in their hearts what is the right thing.”
She emphasized that her opinion doesn’t matter more than anyone else’s, but she believes strongly in using her platform to encourage others. “If you feel strongly about something, and you have the chance to share your feelings or encourage people or cheer somebody on, you should do it.”
Acceptance Speech Reflection
Later that night, Smart won her third Golden Globe for her role as Deborah Vance in Hacks. On stage, she referenced her earlier comments: “There’s just a lot that could be said tonight. I said my rant on the red carpet, so I won’t do it here. Let’s all do the right thing, and I think everybody in their hearts knows what the right thing is to do. So let’s do the right thing.”
Her words earned applause and highlighted how deeply her red carpet remarks resonated with audiences.
Why Fans Are Talking
- The honesty: Smart didn’t shy away from politics, even at a glamorous event.
- The timing: Her comments came just before winning her third Golden Globe.
- The message: She urged courage, restraint, and doing “the right thing.”
- The impact: Fans praised her for using her platform to speak as a citizen, not just a star.
