John Lithgow meanwhile said while getting the Best Actor in a TV Drama prize for The Crown that 'unknown' actress Meryl Streep spoke his 'exact thoughts' in her Golden Globes speech

Sarah Paulson urged her fellow actors and the television-viewing audience to donate to the ACLU while picking up the Best Female Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries prize for People V. OJ

In the night's most animated speech, David Harbour of Stranger Things vowed that he would 'punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized'

Mahershala Ali, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Moonlight, spoke converting to Islam and how despite switching faiths he and his ordained-minister mother put aside their religious differences

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who won Best Females Actor in a Comedy for Veep, spoke about how her father Gérard 'fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France'

Ashton Kutcher kicked things off by saying 'everyone at airports who belong in my America... we welcome you' while presenting the first award of the night

Hollywood stars took a strong stand against President Donald Trump's immigration ban at the Screen Actors Guild awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night


Hollywood went after President Donald Trump and his sweeping ban on immigrants from seven Muslim nations on Sunday night as they gathered at the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

A host of A-list stars used their time on stage at the event to speak out against President trump's executive order, from Ashton Kutcher and John Lithgow to the casts of Orange Is the New Black and Hidden Figures.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus spoke about how her father came to the United States as an immigrant after fleeing the Nazi occupation in France, and called the ban a 'blemish' and 'un-American.'

Moonlight star Mahershala Ali shared how his decision to convert to Islam led to a rift with his ordained-minister mother, but it was soon repaired because the two 'love each other and 'that stuff is minutiae, it's not that important.'

David Harbour of the Netflix show Stranger Things spoke about standing up to bullies and punching people who 'seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized' while standing on stage with his Stranger Things castmates.

And in the final speech of the evening, Taraji P. Henson spoke about the need to come together after winning the night's biggest honor, Best Film Ensemble, for her role in Hidden Figures.

Henson said of the film, which tells the true story of the three African-American women working at NASA who were crucial in launching John Glenn into orbit: 'This story is of unity. This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside and we come together as a human race. We win. Love wins. Every time.'

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The 16-ensemble cast of the Netflix show Stranger Things took the stage to accept their award for the best Ensemble in a Drama Series

In the most animated speech of the night, David Harbour (center at microphone surrounded by the Stranger Things cast) took the stage with the rest of the 16-ensemble cast of the Netflix show and spoke about being united and standing up to bullies

'This story is of unity. This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside and we come together as a human race. We win. Love wins. Every time,' said Taraji P Henson of her film Hidden Figures, which won Best Film Ensemble (l to r: Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae and Henson)

‘I would just like to say that in light of all that’s going on in the world today, it’s difficult to celebrate the already celebrated Stranger Things,' he said.

Not realizing that he was going to deliver such a speech, his fellow cast-mates, including Winona Ryder, looked confused. Harbor continued: 'We are united in that we are all human beings and we are all together on this wonderful painful, horrible painful joyous exciting and mysterious ride that is being alive.

'We will as per Chief Jim Hopper punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized and we will do it all with soul with heart and with joy.'

The 16-person cast was on stage to accept their award for the best Ensemble in a Drama Series, and seemed to have no idea that Harbour was planning on making the statement that he did.

The cast looked shocked during his statement, and grew visibly excited and emotional while he was speaking.

He received a standing ovation from his fellow Stranger Things actors, as well as from the audience.

DAVID HARBOUR'S FULL SPEECH AT THE SAG AWARDS ‘I would just like to say that in light of all that’s going on in the world today, it’s difficult to celebrate the already celebrated Stranger Things. 'This award from you, who take your craft seriously, and earnestly believe like me that great acting can change the world is a call to arms from our fellow craftsmen and women to go deeper and through our art to battle against fear self centeredness and exclusivity of our predominantly narcissistic culture, and through our craft to cultivate a more empathetic and understanding society by revealing infinite truths that serve as a forceful reminder to folks that when they feel broken and afraid and tired, they are not alone. 'We are united in that we are all human beings and we are all together on this wonderful painful, horrible painful joyous exciting and mysterious ride that is being alive. 'Now as we act in the continuing narrative of stranger things, we 1983 mid-westerners will repel bullies, we will shelter freaks and outcasts those who have no home, we will get past the lies we will hunt monsters and when we are at a loss amidst the hypocrisy and the casual violence of certain individuals and institutions we will, as per Chief Jim Hopper punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized and we will do it all with soul with heart and with joy.' Advertisement

Ashton Kutcher kicked off the awards by saying: 'everyone at airports who belong in my America, you are a part of the fabric of who we are…we welcome you'

Kutcher immediately followed his opening comments with a series of tweets, expanding on his opinion of the President's immigration ban

Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, whose father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France said: 'The immigrant ban is a blemish and it's un-American'

'I’m an American patriot, and I love this country, and because I love this country I am horrified by its blemishes,' said the Veep star (above with her father Gerald at a State Dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande at the White House in 2014)

The tone of the night was set quickly when Ashton Kutcher took the stage to deliver his opening remarks.

The award host kicked off the show by saying: 'Everyone at airports who belong in my America, you are a part of the fabric of who we are…we welcome you.'

Many other celebrities have made comments about the ban on Social Media, on the runway and in their speeches at the awards.

Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus kicked off her speech by mocking Donald Trump's first week in office, and his claims about inauguration attendance.

Things then turned very personal as she spoke about her late father Gerald.

'I want you all to know that I am the daughter of an immigrant. My father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France, and I’m an American patriot, and I love this country, and because I love this country I am horrified by its blemishes,' she the Veep star.

'This immigrant ban is a blemish and it is un-American.'

She then read a statement which had been released by the Writers Guild of America, saying: 'Our guilds are unions of storytellers who always welcomed those from the nations of varying beliefs who wish to share their creativity with America. We are grateful for them. We stand with them. And we will fight for them.'

Mahershala Ali shared a very personal story of his as he accepted his award for best supporting actor in the film 'Moonlight'

William H Macy accepted his award for the Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series for Shamelss during the awards, and actually thanked President Trump for: 'Making Frank Gallagher look normal'

Bryan Cranston accepted an award for his portrayal of the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B Johnson. He said, in his acceptance speech: 'I'm often asked how Lyndon Johnson would think about Donald Trump. And I honestly think 36 would put his arm around 45, and earnestly wish him success'

Mahershala Ali shared a very personal story of his as he accepted his award for best supporting actor in the film 'Moonlight'.

The actor said: 'What I learned from working on is that we see what happens when you persecute people.

'They fold into themselves— and what I was so grateful about in having the opportunity to play Juan was playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself as the result of the persecution of his community, and taking the opportunity to tell him that he mattered, that he was okay, and to accept him, and I hope that we do a better job at that.

'We kind of get caught up at the minutiae, and the details that make us all different. I think that there's two ways of seeing that; there's an opportunity to see the texture of that person and the characteristics that make them unique.

'And then there's the opportunity to go to war about it, and say that that person is different from me and I don't like that, so let's battle.

'My mother is an ordained minister, I'm a Muslim; she didn't do back-flips when I called her to tell her I converted 17 years ago.

'But I'll tell you now, we put things to the side, I was able to see her, she was able to see me. We love each other, the love is real, and that stuff is minutiae, it's not that important.'

Actress Sarah Paulson accepted an Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a miniseries or Television Movie for 'The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story'.

She made a plea to her fellow actors and actresses, as well as anyone who is watching the awards, saying: 'I'd like to make a plea for everyone if they can, any money that they have to spare, please donate to the ACLU… to protect the rights and liberties of people across this country. It's a vital, vital organization that relies entirely on our support. So please, if you can.'

Actress Sarah Paulson accepted an Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a miniseries or Television Movie for 'The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story' during the 23rd annual SAG awards

Kerry Washington made her opinion clear while still on the red carpet. The Scandal actress said: 'A lot of people are saying right now that actors should keep our mouths shut when it comes to politics. But the truth is, no matter what, actors are activists because we embody the humanity and worth of all people. This union helps me to do that. I am Kerry Washington, and I am an actor'

Washington also posted an Instagram before arriving at the awards of the safety pin that she is wearing on her dress. She said: 'I'll be wearing one of these tonight. On my arm. To show solidarity. We will not stop fighting for our safety and the safety of our fellow citizens and human beings'

Kerry Washington made her opinion clear while still on the red carpet.

The Scandal actress said: 'A lot of people are saying right now that actors should keep our mouths shut when it comes to politics.

'But the truth is, no matter what, actors are activists because we embody the humanity and worth of all people. This union helps me to do that. I am Kerry Washington, and I am an actor.'

Washington also posted an Instagram before arriving at the awards of the safety pin that she is wearing on her dress. She said: 'I'll be wearing one of these tonight. On my arm. To show solidarity. We will not stop fighting for our safety and the safety of our fellow citizens and human beings.'

These comments were in direct reference to President Donald Trump's attack on Meryl Streep after she very publicly criticized him in front of millions of people around the world at the Golden Globe Awards.

The cast of Orange is the New Black stood on the stage after receiving the Best Ensemble in a Comedy prize, and star Taylor Schilling said: 'What unites us is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.'

One of the stars of that show, Diane Guerrero, was born in the United States to Colombian parents, and has spoken very publicly in the past at the devastation she experienced when at the age of 14 she returned home from school one day and discovered that her parents and older brother had been deported to South America.

Actors Simon Helberg (L) and Jocelyn Towne (R) made their opinions about the controversial ban clear while on the red carpet- with Towne wearing the words 'Let them in' written across her chest, and Helberg holding a sign saying 'Refugees welcome'

Actress Meryl Streep, who delivered harsh criticism of President Donald Trump and his policies during her speech at the Golden Globes, posed for a photo with Towne and Helberg

The cast of Orange is the New Black stood on the stage after receiving the award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy, and star Taylor Schilling said: 'What unites us is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us'

One of the stars of Orange, Diane Guerrero, was born in the United States to Colombian parents, and has spoken in the past about how her entire family was deported while she was at school one day (l to r: Elizabeth Rodriguez, Selenis Leyva, Guerrero, and Jackie Cruz)

Sofia Vergara posted a photo to Instagram with Thandie Newton during the award show, captioned 'Immigrants'. Vergara is a Colombian-American actress, and Newton is English

Steven Yeun and Alia Shawkat (right) spoke on stage during to present one of the awards, and Shawkat was more subtle with her disapproval of the President. She carefully expressed her opposition through a greeting in Arabic, 'assalamu alaikum', which translates to 'greetings' or 'peace be with you'

Bryan Cranston accepted an award for his portrayal of the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B Johnson.

He said, in his acceptance speech: 'I'm often asked how Lyndon Johnson would think about Donald Trump. And I honestly think 36 would put his arm around 45, and earnestly wish him success.'

Steven Yeun and Alia Shawkat (right) spoke on stage during to present one of the awards, and Shawkat was more subtle with her disapproval of the President. She carefully expressed her opposition through a greeting in Arabic, 'assalamu alaikum', which translates to 'greetings' or 'peace be with you'

Lily Tomlin's speech, after receiving the Life Achievement award, poked fun at her fellow actors and actresses, but also spread a message of hope and change

John Lithgow accepted an award for Male Actor in a Drama series for 'The Crown', in which he played United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He spoke directly to Meryl Streep during his acceptance, saying 'She managed to speak my exact thoughts'

Lily Tomlin's speech, after receiving the Life Achievement award, poked fun at her fellow actors and actresses, but also spread a message of hope and change.

The lifelong actress said: 'What sign should I make for the next march? So much to do: global warming, standing rock, LGBTQ issues, Chinese missiles, immigration... I feel like we could all go out and really change things.'

John Lithgow accepted an award for Male Actor in a Drama series for 'The Crown', in which he played Winston Churchill.

He spoke directly to Meryl Streep, referring to her Golden Globes speech that heavily criticized President Donald Trump's policies during his acceptance, saying the 'unknown' actress 'managed to speak my exact thoughts.'

Indian-born Dev Patel (left) and British citizen Riz Ahmed (right) both spoke out against the ban on the red carpet Sunday

'I believe our country should be open and inclusive, particularly for refugees fleeing war-torn areas,' said John Legend on Sunday (above with Ryan Goling and wife Chrissy Tiegen on the red carpet)

In a red carpet interview before the show, nominee Dev Patel said: 'I just flew in from India a day ago. When I heard the news it was utterly devastating.

'The first thing that came into my head was the children who arrive on these shores with hope in their hearts. It's horrible. It's divisive.'

He then added: 'I hope something changes and something can be done because it really is terrible.'

British-born Riz Ahmed, nominated for his work in The Night Of, said that if 'people care about the future of this country and the world, now was the time for people to make their 'voices heard' in his pre-show interview.

And singer John Legend, who appears in La La Land, stated that President Trump's immigration ban was a disgrace to the citizen of the United States.

"Everything our government does is being done in our name.I believe our country should be open and inclusive, particularly for refugees fleeing war-torn areas,' said Legend.

'They are fleeing terrorism, they are fleeing war, they are fleeing genocide.'

'HUMAN GIF FACTORY': WINONA RYDER'S REACTION TO COSTAR'S SPEECH SPARKS MEME FRENZY Winona Ryder stood alongside David as he spoke out, reacting with a series of increasingly expressive facial expressions to the passion in his voice. With looks of confusion, consternation, and eventually delight, she sparked a sudden flood of memes on social media. Dubbed a 'human gif factory' by one fan, the updates flowed. In his speech David implored his fellow actors to use their fame for good - alluding to the current political upheaval in the U.S. As David spoke, Winona wasn't alone in her surprise, or her growing admiration. The young cast of the show jumped around on stage in excitement both at their win, and at David's speech. Priceless: Winona's face got everyone talking on social media 'Ordering a drink?' Winona sparked a storm of with her facial expressions onstage Listening in: In his speech David implored his fellow actors to use their fame for good - alluding to the political unrest in the U.S. right now In his speech David implored his fellow actors to use their fame for good - alluding to the political upheaval in the U.S. right now What's he on about? At times it seemed Winona had not been warned about the speech And go: The multitude of expressions set social media alight Advertisement