Gal Gadot's Critics' Choice Awards Speech Will Make You Stand Up & Clap

Women in all realms of entertainment and media are fighting for real representations of themselves to appear on TV, film, and behind the scenes. In honor of that forward-moving action Gal Gadot was presented with the #SeeHer Award at the 2018 Critics’ Choice Awards. And much like her character in Wonder Woman (executive producer: Rebecca Steel Roven), Gadot promised to never stop fighting for the equality of everyone in her speech.

This is only the second time the #SeeHer award has been given out. The first went to Viola Davis at the previous Critics' Choice Award ceremony in December 2016. Gadot, who played Diana in Wonder Woman, was introduced by director Patty Jenkins who began the night's special presentation calling Gadot a “dear friend." She said that she could attest to the actor's “great work” and how Gadot continues to use her “superpowers” for good. “She knew the great importance [of] this character and what she could mean to the universe if well done,” Jenkins said about Gadot taking on the titular role in Wonder Woman. “I’m so proud for all that she does. She’s my real Wonder Woman.”

The ultimate goal of #SeeHer is to accurately portray all women and girls in media by 2020. And fully committed to making this happen is Gadot. As the actor accepted her award, Gadot shared that throughout her career she had always wanted to play "strong, independent, real women," and ironically found all those qualities in her role as Wonder Woman.

“[Diana is] full of heart, strength, compassion, and forgiveness. She sees wrong that must be made right. She takes action when everyone around her is idle. She commands the attention of the world, and in doing so, she sets a positive example for humanity."

She then brought up the recent #MeToo movement, and declared her support for the people in and out of Hollywood daring to raise their voice.

"I want to share [this] award with all the women and men who stand for what’s right and those who can’t stand and speak for themselves. I will never be silenced and we will continue to band together to make strides uniting for equality.”

The #SeeHer award, presented by the Association of National Advertisers, is meant to recognize women who "push boundaries" and to "recognize the importance of accurately portraying women across the entertainment landscape" a spokesperson told E! News. “We’re honored to recognize Gal this year with the second annual #SeeHer Award,” ANA CEO Bob Liodice told The Hollywood Reporter. “Not only was she able to challenge stereotypes in [Wonder Woman] and find success by starring in one of the biggest blockbusters this year, she also used that success to shine a light on her own industry, and push the boundaries on gender equality in real life.”

Along with its leading lady taking home the #SeeHer Award, Wonder Woman also took home a trophy for Best Action Movie at the Critics Choice Awards. Wonder Woman grossed more than $800 million internationally and passed 2002's Spider-Man to become the highest-grossing superhero origin movie of all time, according to Business Insider.

But Gadot graciously shared the spotlight and went on to praise the fact that in 2017 "three of the top-grossing films were female-led.” And although she smiled while talking about all the progress that's been made in Hollywood thus far, she stressed to the audience that there is still a long way to go. “As artists and filmmakers, I believe it is not only our job to entertain, but our duty to inspire and educate for love and respect.”

To some Wonder Woman may just be a fictional comic book and movie character. But with a firm grip on today's issues and a selfless heart to match, it's safe to say that Gadot is a real-life superhero.