As politically bleak as the last 10 days have been, one thing is for sure: Hollywood is rising to the occasion.

Last night’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards ceremony was less about who won what than it was about art’s power to effect change. Women in particular were vocal about the current political climate, their personal experiences, and the overall importance of empathetic, inclusive art.

Before any awards were even given out, Kerry Washington stressed an actor’s responsibility to take political stands, Vox reports. “A lot of people are saying right now that actors should keep our mouths shut when it comes to politics,” she said, addressing the camera. “But the truth is, no matter what, actors are activists because we embody the humanity and worth of all people.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus definitely did not keep her mouth shut. Winning the Female Actor in a Comedy Series award for “Veep,” Louis-Dreyfus discussed the recent executive order barring Muslim immigrants and refugees. “My father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France. I’m an American patriot.” She added, “And I love this country, and because I love this country, I am horrified by its blemishes, and this immigrant ban is a blemish, and it is un-American.”

Lily Tomlin, accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, also spoke openly about her anger and concern, albeit with her trademark comedic flourish. “The doomsday clock has been moved up to two and a half minutes to midnight — and this award came just in the nick of time,” she quipped. As she closed her speech, Tomlin wondered aloud, “What signs should I make for the next march? So much to do. Global warming, Standing Rock, LGBT issues, Chinese missiles, immigration.”

In one of the night’s biggest surprises, the “Hidden Figures” ensemble won for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, beating out “Moonlight” and “Manchester by the Sea.” Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine G. Johnson in the women-centric film, accepted the award on behalf of the cast. “This film is about unity,” she told the crowd, citing Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson — black women who were an instrumental part of the Space Race — as “three American heroes.” “This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside. When we come together as a human race, we win … love wins every time.”

Mahershala Ali, who was honored for his work in “Moonlight,” also emphasized love’s power to overcome differences. “My mother is an ordained minister. I’m a Muslim,” the actor said, according to the LA Times. “She didn’t do backflips when I called her to tell her I converted 17 years ago. But I tell you now, you put things to the side, and I’m able to see her and she’s able to see me. We love each other. The love has grown.”

In her acceptance speech for the Female Actor in a Supporting Role award, Viola Davis thanked “Fences” playwright August Wilson for portraying everyday black lives. “We have a story and it deserves to be told,” she said. “We deserve to be in the canon of any, in the center of any narrative that’s written out there. And that’s what August did.”

The success of Davis, Ali, and “Hidden Figures’” predominantly black cast is a boon for inclusivity in film. In fact, three of the four major acting awards went to actors of color this year. In addition to Davis and Ali’s wins, Denzel Washington also took home a trophy for “Fences.”

Emma Stone, winning for “La La Land,” commended the acting community and its dedication to telling all kinds of stories. “I’m so grateful to be part of a group of people that cares and that wants to reflect things back to society,” she said.

Taylor Schilling, accepting the Ensemble in a Comedy Series award on behalf of her “Orange Is the New Black” co-stars, also commented on the need for art to depict the world we live in. The series “represent[s] generations of families who have sought a better life here from places like Nigeria, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ireland,” Schilling detailed. “We know it’s going to be up to us and all of you to keep telling stories that show what unites us is stronger.”

Sarah Paulson appealed straight to the audience and viewers at home when she won for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” “Any money you have to spare, please donate to the ACLU,” she requested.

According to USA Today, Paulson said backstage, “I wanted to have an opportunity to mention the inclusivity that I think is required right now, in general … I don’t think silence is golden at this particular time,” She added, “I think if you have a platform to say something in front of a large audience, you should take the opportunity.”

Judging from the words of outrage, hope, and encouragement, Paulson’s peers at the SAG awards seemed to wholeheartedly agree.

Check out all of the female SAG Award winners below. List adapted from The Hollywood Reporter.

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

Hidden Figures

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Emma Stone — La La Land

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Viola Davis — Fences

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Claire Foy — The Crown

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Orange Is the New Black

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

Julia Louis-Dreyfus — Veep

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Sarah Paulson — The People v. O.J. Simpson