Sunday's Critics Choice Awards ceremony featured several nods to Russia's deadly invasion of Ukraine, including a speech by Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova recognizes the people of Ukraine, according to The New York Times.
"As we gather together on this special night, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the bravery of the people of Ukraine who stand up for their right to independence and democracy," said the "Borat Next Moviefilm" star, who is from Bulgaria. before announcing the award for best supporting actor.
"I really hope that we will come together and usher in a new era of cultural and artistic exchange between Eastern Europe and Hollywood, which has been a fundamental force of creativity in the 20th century," he added. โSo I hope that my message reaches the Ukrainian people: see you. We are with you. And our hearts go out to you."
Hannah Waddingham spoke of "the babies in the Ukraine who are being completely decimated right now by this torrent of rotten, putrid abuse" in her remarks accepting best comedy series for "Ted Lasso," the Times reported.
Billy Crystal, who received a lifetime achievement award, also spoke about his family from Ukraine. He he specifically mentioned his grandmothers who emigrated from Odessa and Kiev, saying "their laughter, the first laughs I had in my life, is the fuel my engine is still burning today."
"I pray that somehow, somehow, there can be laughter and joy in that part of the world once again," Crystal added, according to the Times.
As Ukraine endures its third week of Russia's invasion, other stars at the ceremony wore blue and yellow pins, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
