In a somewhat predictable turn of events, Alexis Bledel picked up the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series on Sunday at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, and she used the platform of her acceptance speech to speak about the show’s partnership with Change.org. A move she said was designed “to encourage us all to take action…sign up, speak up and stay awake.”
As Ofglen in the dystopian Hulu series from Bruce Miller based on the Margaret Atwood novel, Bledel played a woman who rebelled against the fictional oppressive regime following the murder of her wife. The subject of the show–the sexual farming of women and total removal of their autonomy in society–and has often been cited as scarily relevant in the current political climate, and thus the partnership with Change.org has seemed especially appropriate.
Bledel’s guest-starring performance on the show was so well received, she will return as a series regular in the upcoming second season, whose storyline will be a creative continuation not depicted in Atwood’s novel. “Thank you to the magnificent Ann Dowd,” Bledel said of her co-star, then added, “thank you Bruce Miller for writing a character who displays such fortitude amongst such devastation and then suggesting that I play her.”
As a producer, the show’s lead, Elisabeth Moss, also played a part and Bledel thanked her accordingly, saying, “Thank you Elisabeth Moss for having me be a part of this affecting and incredible work.”
Backstage, Bledel further expanded on the impact of the show. “It’s really an incredible thing when we are sparking conversation,” she said, “and it’s thought-provoking to stand out in this way.” Asked what had impacted her the most personally, she added, “I certainly have been listening a lot and have been really engaged in the exchange, and I love that my character is so strong in the face of so much adversity. I just can’t wait to get back to work and play her again.”
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