Golden Globes 2020: Ellen Degeneres bags lifetime achievement award and fans are ecstatic
Ellen DeGeneres accepted the honorary Carol Burnett Award at the 77th Golden Globe Awards on January 5.
The award was presented by 'Saturday Night Live' star Kate McKinnon, who spoke about Ellen's influence on her as a young lesbian, and what Ellen's coming out meant for her. "The only thing that made it less scary was seeing Ellen on TV," McKinnon said. "Attitudes change, but only because brave people like Ellen DeGeneres jump into the fire to make them change." The star also added how DeGeneres provided her with "a road map for a way to be funny that is grounded in an expression of joy".
The Carol Burnett Award is equivalent to the Cecil B DeMille Award, which is awarded to film actors and directors, with Tom Hanks being this year's recipient.
Completely understanding where she was coming from, DeGeneres remarked it was the same for her when she watched Carol Burnett, "Every time she pulled her ear, I knew she was saying, 'It's OK, I'm gay too'."
Fans are ecstatic that DeGeneres has received the recognition. "Love the @goldenglobes, watching icons like @TheEllenShow and @tomhanks honored for their work goes beyond the entertainment world. As someone who loves tv and movies, I hear their advice and find ways to utilize it in my own profession," said a fan.
"Wowed by the tributes to @tomhanks and @TheEllenShow. Examples that kindness matters and leadership is by amazing example... tough decisions and paying attention to what humanity needs," said another fan.
Several fans are implementing DeGeneres' onscreen teachings in their real lives. "@TheEllenShow that suit is FIERCE!!!!! I need that! That speech was also fabulous! U deserve it and you always make everyone feel better every day with your show and humour and love #BeKindToOneAnother."
In recent years, Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep have received the recognition. This year, with DeGeneres being the honoree for lifetime achievement, thousands of queer fans everywhere are grateful for the representation.
"There are certain moments in our lives that define us. For queer people everywhere, one of those events is what we were doing when @TheEllenShow came out on her sitcom. That night, Ellen forever changed my life, I was 12. I knew finally I was not alone. Thank you Ellen," tweeted a fan.
"I also learned that it would not be safe for me to come out while I still lived at home with my family. They spewed absolute hate and disgust that someone gay was allowed to share so on national television. Even though their response saddened me, I still knew, thanks to Ellen, That somehow, someway, I would be okay. Now I have the blessing to watch @TheEllenShow get her award and give her speech with my beautiful and wonderful wife and two kiddos. Thank you, thank you, Ellen."