Oprah Winfrey Accepts Cecil B. DeMille Award at 2018 Golden Globes with Impassioned Speech

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AURELIE CORINTHIOS

January 07, 2018 10:16 PM

Oprah Winfrey has added another accolade to her long list of awards and recognitions.

The 63-year-old actress and media mogul received the 2018 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award at Sunday’s ceremony, an honorary award bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.

“It is not lost on me that, at this moment, there is some little girl watching as I become the first Black woman to be given the same award,” Winfrey said in a moving acceptance speech, after recalling her own childhood watching Sidney Poitier win an Oscar. “It is an honor and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them.”

Winfrey’s powerful speech was filled with somber moments, standing ovations, past memories and the story of Recy Taylor, a Black woman who never received justiceafter being abducted and gang-raped by six white men in Alabama.

NBC. Inset: Steve Granitz/WireImage

The speech was met with several standing ovations, with the crowd erupting in a boisterous applause when Winfrey assured sexual predators that their “time is up.”

“I want all the girls watching to know a new day is on the horizon,” she continued. “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say ‘me too’ again.”

The speech came as many stars wore black to the award show to oppose sexual harassment in Hollywood.

“This year, we became the story. But it’s not just a story affecting the entertainment industry, it’s one that transcends any culture, or workplace,” Winfrey said.

Michael Kovac/Getty

Reese Witherspoon presented the mogul with an impassioned speech of her own, calling Winfrey’s hugs “the greatest thing ever.” And showering the star with “thank yous.”

Be sure to check out PEOPLE’s full Golden Globes coverage to get the latest news on Hollywood’s big night.

The HFPA announced in December that Winfrey would receive this year’s award during the Golden Globe 75th Anniversary Special on NBC.

“As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress, she has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today,” HFPA President Meher Tatna said at the time of the organization’s decision to recognize the star.

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men — but their time is up. Their time is up!” –@Oprah ✊🏾 

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