Iñárritu calls for ‘dignity and respect’ for immigrants in Oscar speech
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Sunday’s Academy Awards saw its fair share of political issues, perhaps none more contentious than that raised by filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu during his third acceptance speech of the night: immigration reform.
The Mexican director, producer, screenwriter and composer dedicated his best picture win for “Birdman” to his fellow Mexicans, and called on his countrymen to “find and build a government that we deserve.”
Regarding Mexicans living in the United States, he was more forceful: “I just pray they can be treated with the same dignity and respect of the ones that came before and built this incredible, immigrant nation.''
FULL COVERAGE: Oscars 2015
His speech prompted an outpouring of praise and pride for Mexico, with the hashtag #VivaMexico and Iñárritu trending on social media.
Iñárritu became the second consecutive Mexican director to win the best director Oscar. Last year, Alfonso Cuaron won for “Gravity.” On Sunday, Iñárritu also won the best original screenplay award.
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