TessDrive presents a regular summary of online finds, web discoveries that show us better ways to a better world. Ever so slowly, we’ll help you restore your faith in humanity.
Three of the world’s most prestigious television and movie awards events have gone plant-based. Here’s looking at you, Oscar.
It started with the 77th Golden Globe Awards last January 7, then cascaded to the 25th Critics Choice Awards on January 13. Then just a day ago, the 26th annual Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) Awards had also announced it would follow suit for its own ceremonies this January 19.
The decision of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the nonprofit main organizing body of the Golden Globe Awards, was determined partly by what the association said its “concern for climate change”, and partly by the suggestion of the eventual winner of the Awards’ Best Actor trophy Joaquin Phoenix, who has been a vegan activist for 40 years and an outspoken Mercy for Animals supporter.
“The climate crisis is impossible to ignore and after speaking with our peers, and friends in the community, we felt challenged to do better,” said Lorenzo Soria, HFPA President, in a statement to CNN. “The decision to serve an entirely plant-based meal was embraced by our partners at the Beverly Hilton, and represents a small step in response to a big problem.” (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/03/entertainment/golden-globes-plant-based-dinner-trnd/index.html).
According to the CNN report, “a team of 11 chefs, 120 culinary staff, 50 bartenders, 160 stewards and 250 servers” led by executive chefs Matthew Morgan and Thomas Henzi dished out such treats as “vibrant chilled golden beet soup topped with shaved candy-striped beets and pistachios”, “King Oyster mushroom ‘scallops’ and wild mushroom risotto”, and a “vegan opera dome dessert”.
For his part, Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, echoed HFPA’s concerns in a press statement, which the Independent.co.uk reports: “When planning this year’s awards show, we wanted to be mindful of the impact our event has on the environment. [I am] looking forward to providing our incredible honorees, nominees and guests with delicious and thoughtful food during our show.”(https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/critics-choice-awards-ceremony-meal-vegan-a9277856.html).
A report by livekindly.co lists down the menu during the Critics Choice Awards: Baja Fresh’s veggie tacos and burritos, as well as The Counter’s burgers. The restaurant has two plant-based burgers on its ordinary menu, the “bleeding” Impossible Burger and the Sprouted Veggie. Vegan desserts from Pinkberry and Cold Stone Creamery will also be available. (https://www.livekindly.co/critics-choice-awards-vegan/)
In an official SAG statement reported by plantbasednews.org, the organization said, “As part of the show’s long-standing commitment to sustainable practices, the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will feature a plant-based menu at its ceremony on Sunday, January 19. The SAG Awards has been the recipient of the Environmental Media Association (EMA) Green Seal for 11 years running in addition to having been awarded the EMA Gold Seal and the Green Production honor. The SAG Awards has also partnered for multiple years with non-profit environmental organizations such as American Forests. For the 25th Anniversary of the SAG Awards, American Forests planted 25,000 trees across the U.S. in a collaborative effort to improve the quality of air, water, and wildlife habitat.” (https://www.plantbasednews.org/news/screen-actors-guild-awards-plant-based-for-planet)
Entrees listed for the SAG Awards include: Romano Bean Salad with Arugula, Niçoise Olives, Shaved Baby Peppers and Sweet Onion Vinaigrette; Paella Rice Salad with Squash, Tuscan Kale and Piquillo Peppers; Charred Harissa Glazed Baby Carrots, Little Gem Lettuce, Pita Croutons, Sumac; and Lavash. (https://www.sagawards.org/files/sagawards/26th_sag_awards_menu_final.pdf)
Now that the three major pre-Oscars awarding events have gone plant-based, we’re holding our breaths, and our forks, for the next move of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Maybe Joaquin should start talking serious to the members of the Academy, as well. There’s still time to cook up a plant-based storm come February 9.