José Andrés Receives Standing Ovation Honoring Immigrants and Women at Oscars

Celebrity chef José Andrés, who resides in Bethesda, introduced Alfonso Cuarón’s film “Roma” with actor Diego Luna at the 91st Annual Academy Awards Sunday night.

Roma is based on Cuarón’s middle-class childhood in Mexico City, with a backdrop of political turmoil. One of the biggest themes in the movies is motherhood, as it centers around the two women who played a role in raising Cuarón and his siblings — his mother (portrayed by Marina de Tavira) and his maid (portrayed by Yalitza Aparicio).

“This is a story of lonely women and absent men; of painful class divisions and racial dynamics, but love is where everyone meets,” said Luna.

Andrés brought the audience to their feet when he honored immigrants and women during the presentation.

“In this beautiful intimate film, one that gives a voice to the voiceless reminds us of the understanding and compassion that we all owe to the invisible people in our lives, immigrants and women who move humanity forward.”

“Immigrants and women move humanity forward.” Well said, @chefjoseandres. #Oscars

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 25, 2019

Hillary Clinton quoted Andrés on Twitter, and tweeted, “Well said, @chefhoseandres.”

Roma won three Oscar awards Sunday night for best director, best foreign language film, and best cinematography.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=86&v=cT1Eg6U4LU4

Feels strange signing my name next to all the stars presenting……@TheAcademy see you tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/O4oCLGMz5h

— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) February 24, 2019

About Deirdre Byrne

Deirdre Byrne is a social media coordinator for Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at dbyrne@mymcmedia.org or on twitter at @DeirdreByrneMCM.

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