A winning message at Golden Globes

Associated Press

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.

With a red carpet dyed black by actresses dressed in a color-coordinated statement, the Golden Globes were transformed into an A-list expression of female empowerment in the post-Harvey Weinstein era. Oprah Winfrey led the charge.

“For too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men,” said Winfrey, accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. “But their time is up. Their time is up!”

More than any award handed out Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., Winfrey’s moment – one greeted by a rousing, ongoing standing ovation and that left many attendees and viewers in tears – encapsulated the “Me Too” mood at an atypically powerful Golden Globes. The night served as Hollywood’s fullest response yet to the sexual harassment scandals that have roiled the film industry and laid bare its gender inequalities.

“A new day is on the horizon!” promised Winfrey, who noted she was the first black woman to be given the honor.

With a cutting stare, presenter Natalie Portman followed Winfrey’s speech by introducing, as she said, “the all-male” nominees for best director.

The movie that many consider speaks most directly to the moment – the revenge dark comedy “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” about a mother avenging the rape and murder of her daughter – emerged as the night’s top film. It won best picture, drama, best actress for Frances McDormand, best supporting actor for Sam Rockwell and best screenplay for writer-director Martin McDonagh.

McDormand granted she was befuddled at the identities of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, but gave them credit. “At least they managed to elect a female president,” she said. McDormand added that the evening has a special feeling.

“Trust me, the women in this room tonight are not here for the food,” said McDormand.

Gary Oldman, considered by some to be the best actor front runner, won for his Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour,” edging out newcomer Timothee Chalamet (“Call Me By Your Name”) and Tom Hanks (“The Post”).