Oscars 2018: Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek and more dedicate segment to diversity, #MeToo and Time's Up

It was extremely powerful

The Oscars made a point of honouring the #MeToo and Time's Up movements along with diversity in filmmaking at the 2018 ceremony.

Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek and Annabella Sciorra - three women who made allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein - went onstage to introduce the special moment.

Sciorra delivered the opening statement saying, “This year, many spoke their truth and the journey ahead is long, but slowly a new path has emerged,” Sciorra began. “On this 90th anniversary evening when the Oscars celebrates timeless classics, we also look forward as well.”

"Many spoke their truth and the journey ahead is long, but slowly a new path has emerged," added Judd, about the individuals have spoken up in the #MeToo and Time's Up movements in a "mighty chorus."

She said that she hoped that in the next 90 years of the Oscars that the ceremony will "empower these limitless possibilities of equality, diversity inclusivity, intersectionality — that's what this year has promised us."

Hayek then introduced a video featuring 2018's most innovative and diverse filmmakers calling them "unstoppable spirits who kicked ass and broke through bias perceptions against their gender racer and ethnicity to tell their stories."

The pre-taped segment included a powerful interview with Weinstein accuser Mira Sorvino who said, "Everyone is getting a voice to express something that has been happening forever, not only in Hollywood, but in every walk of life.”

It delivered additional messages from Jordan Peele, Sarah Silverman Greta Gerwig Yance Ford and Ava DuVernay in addition to artists who have pushed for diversity in film over the years like Geena Davis.

Kumail Nanjiani perhaps gave the most insightful comments in the segment, while cracking jokes about loving movies made by white men and looking forward to white male audiences relating to the stories he's created.

The video paid homage to the ongoing need for representation and equality in Hollywood and beyond.

Time's Up stemmed from the #MeToo movement in an effort to support women who have dealt with sexual misconduct and harassment in the workplace.

So far $21m has been raised and there are 500 lawyers assisting those in need pro bono.