Russell Crowe Uses Golden Globes Award Win to Highlight Australia’s Bushfire Crisis

(TMU) — Australian actor Russell Crowe won the Golden Globe award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made For Television.

However, due to the still-raging fires in Australia, the celebrated actor was unable to accept the award for his role as disgraced Fox CEO Roger Ailes in The Loudest Voice because he was “protecting his family from the bushfires.”

Rather than appear in-person, he sent a message that would be played if he received the award.

After announcing that Crowe was the winner, presenter Jennifer Aniston said:

“Russell Crowe could not be here with us tonight because he is at home in Australia protecting his family from the devastating bushfires.”

Thanks to the @goldenglobes .
What a cast I got to work with.
Naomi Watts, @WallisAnnabelle Sienna Miller, Aleksa Palladino @JoshStamberg @SethMacFarlane Simon McBurney and everybody else. They created a complete world. Their commitment, sensitivity and courage was inspiring. pic.twitter.com/AW9PtKwKF3

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) January 6, 2020

She then read his poignant note about the bushfire crisis:

“Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based. 

We need to act based on science, move our global work force to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way, we have a future. Thank you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zN-Ra1yIpI

Authorities have warned that “the worst is yet to come” after a brutal weekend of fires that continued to lay waste to vast swathes of the country, including the remote wildlife refuge Kangaroo Island.

Over 200 fires continue to burn across the country, with upwards of 12.35 million acres being devastated in the blaze. Some 1,500 homes have been lost since the crisis began in September, while at least 26 people have been killed and dozens remain missing.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned on Sunday that the fires may burn for “months to go.” Military reservists have been called up by the thousands to assist in firefighting efforts.

Christmas morning .
7 weeks since the fire went through here.
Would normally be a wall of green.
We’ve had rain here now.
In a few days the paddocks will be lush . pic.twitter.com/RyixihEhnF

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 25, 2019

Morrison’s government has faced fierce criticism for denying the realities of climate change despite its belated verbal acknowledgment that changing climate conditions have played a role in the crisis.

The government has been accused of obstructing global summits on climate change and skirting its obligations under the 2015 Paris accord while doing little to curtail the country’s role as the world’s number one exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas.

Anger toward the prime minister was clear on Saturday as reports emerged showing firefighters cursing him and saying that he should “get fucked” and resign.

Here’s the full clip: “Stand down now. You don’t deserve to govern. You knew this was coming.”

Firefighter who collapsed: “I’ve already lost seven houses in Nelligen. I’m not gonna lose anymore, dickhead.”

via @FocusNewsNow #AustralianFires https://t.co/vTFHjsIetG

— Angus Duncan (@Angus_Duncan) January 4, 2020

By Elias Marat | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com