"... Nobody ever has to say #METOO again!"

"There are a lot of people known on a first name bases. But there's only one person whose name is a verb, an adjective and a feeling. And that is Oprah." That's how Reese Witherspoon started her introduction speech to hand Oprah her lifetime achievement award. And once she got it, boy oh boy, there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. Oprah herself was seated at the front table, as any lifetime achiever does, facing the winner's of the evening all night long. 

It all started on the red carpet, where usually every celebrity is dressed in an array of colorful attire. But tonight, this year they were asked prior to the big day to wear black to show respect and honor for the many victims of sexual assault/ rape. And they wore it so well as every person there put their own little spin on their outfit. 

Scandals main character, Olivia Pope, otherwise known as Kerry Washington brought her own style to her high slit black gown by adding a zip up, sheer "Net" booties. They were a pair of pointy toed, stiletto style, bedazzled pair of shoes. Angelina Jolie is known for being a person of elegance. That night she brought her noteworthy elegant, sexy, but yet not too revealing dress to the party. A custom-made Atelier Versace  gown with a ruched bodice and sheer sleeves with fur cuffs. Earrings made by Forevermark and Stuart Weitzman. Catherine Zeta-Jones commands your eye just by being Catherine Zeta-Jones, but this dress also commanded your attention because it was sexy and bold. She stunned the crowd in a Zuhair Murad couture gown, giving off poise and charm, complete with a plunging neckline.  

But all the glam, expensive gowns and multiple dashing tux's aside, this night was about so much more than just the winners themselves. When Oprah's name was called, she stepped onto the stage and what she did next had everyone at a loss for words. 

Reese Witherspoon continued her introduction to Oprah's lifetime achievement award. "... Guys, if you can find a way to be stuck in a small space with Oprah for four hours, do it! It's like going to Warden Business School combined with a spiritual retreat all in one. I learned everything from how to make the best English muffin to what it's like being the only women as a board member of a huge company. And her hugs? Okay, Oprah's hugs could end wars! Solve world peace! It's like your oldest dearest friend has just seen you after the longest journey of your life, it's that good. When she hugs you, it's the greatest thing ever. Just ask Gale, she'll agree..."

Oprah's speech was empowering! But it was also a little long so we'll spare you just the last few sentences.

"... So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! 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 that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say "Me too" again!"

-- Osahon Osa

January 9, 2018