Gal Gadot Singlehandedly Delivered the Most Important Critics' Choice Speech

Gal Gadot took home the #SeeHer award at the Critics' Choice Awards on Thursday night. According to a statement released by the Broadcast Film Critics Association in December, the special award "recognises a woman who embodies the values set forth by the #SeeHer movement — to push boundaries on changing stereotypes and recognise the importance of accurately portraying women across the entertainment landscape." The Wonder Woman actress was presented with the honour by the movie's director, Patty Jenkins, who called Gal a "wonderful human being who used all her superpowers to breathe life, complexity, and joy into a tour de force performance."

Gal, following in the footsteps of last year's honouree Viola Davis, delivered an equally inspiring speech when she took the stage to a standing ovation. "Throughout my career, I was always asked to describe my dream role," she began. "Later, I was cast as Wonder Woman . . . She's full of heart, strength, compassion, and forgiveness. She takes action when everyone around her is idle . . . She gets confused, insecure, and that's what makes her real."

The star concluded her moving speech by praising Patty for their female-led success at the box office and dedicated the award to the women the Time's Up movement wants to help combat workplace sexual harassment and assault. "As artists and filmmakers, it's not only our job to entertain, but to inspire and educate about love and respect," she said. "[This is dedicated] to those who can't stand or speak for themselves . . . I will never be silent."