You’ve seen Janelle Monáe in hit movies like the current “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” You’ve heard her albums that have earned several Grammy nominations. And now there’s a new feather in her cap.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) recently announced that Monáe will receive the seventh annual SeeHer Award at the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards January 15 which will be hosted by Chelsea Handler and broadcast on the CW.
The SeeHer Award will be presented to her by Kate Hudson. It honors women who are committed to gender equality and breaking through stereotypes and harmful boundaries. SeeHer advocates for women everywhere, and strives to accurately portray women and girls in the media and entertainment.
Media and marketing play such a major role in how women see themselves, and SeeHer is putting in the work to create representations of women and girls everywhere. A collection of marketers, agencies, and companies, their goal is to create an environment for women to thrive. Previous recipients of the award include Viola Davis (2017), Gal Gadot (2018), Claire Foy (2019), Kristen Bell (2020), Zendaya (2021), and Halle Berry (2022).
The amazingly talented Janelle Monáe is an eight-time Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. She has starred in Netflix’s beloved “Knives Out” as well as the recently released “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” Monáe’s work also includes roles in the feature films “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight.” Back in 2018, her album “Dirty Computer” was nominated for two Grammy awards — Album of the Year and Best Music Video.
Monáe takes pride in her passion for using her music to explore her own racial and sexual identity. She also expresses that she strives to use her platform to speak out against injustices. “I’m not a politician. I’m an artist. I’m an American, and I care about this country. So I think I can critique certain things that I feel might be cancerous to the United States. Especially when the rights of those I love that come from my community are being trampled on, I feel a responsibility to use my platform to say something” she explains. Monáe spends her time partnering with organizations advocating for reproductive rights, racial justice, LGBQT+ communities, and getting people registered to vote.
Seeing her be honored by SeeHer is a very important moment for women everywhere. By coming together and honoring women like Monáe, we can start to see real growth and change in our world.
–Emma Main
