Since Brie Larson was the 2016 best actress winner for her role in Room, she was tasked with handing out the award for best actor at last night’s ceremony. When the winner was revealed to be Casey Affleck, Larson was clearly not pleased by the outcome.
The decision to give Affleck the award has caused controversy due to the sexual harassment allegations brought against him in 2010.
Two women – a producer and a cinematographer – who worked with Affleck on the film I’m Still Here filed separate lawsuits accusing him of sexual harassment, including unwelcome physical advances. One of the women alleged that Affleck had snuck into bed with her in the middle of the night and that she had woken up
to him “caressing her back.” She said she had no idea how long he’d been there.
Affleck vehemently denied the allegations, and both cases were settled out of court. A statement given by his spokesperson said:
“The disputes have been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties and the lawsuits are being dismissed.”
Brie Larson, who has advocated for survivors of sexual assault for years, seemed to be disappointed too. This is the second time Larson has had to present Affleck with an award and her reaction both times is very telling. Larson played a rape survivor in Room and has been very vocal about the issue, even before her role in the film.
Some might think people are reading too much into it but many on Twitter were quick to point it out and it’s being picked up by many media outlets.
The reaction on Twitter was also very similar when she handed him the award at the Golden Globes.
Check out her reaction at last night’s ceremony to judge the scenario yourself:
