Brie Larson proved just how sweet she is, even when no one is watching. At last night’s Academy Awards ceremony, the actress hugged all fifty of the sexual assault survivors who were featured in Lady Gaga’s moving performance.
Gaga performed “Til It Happens To You” from The Hunting Ground, a documentary about sexual assault on college campuses in America. This song is especially important in light of the injustice Kesha faced when a court failed to break her contract with Dr. Luke, who she has accused of drugging and raping her.
Read More: Lady Gaga Defends Kesha Against Victim-Shaming
The fifty sexual assault survivors walked on stage mid-performance with their arms outstretched to expose the words “not your fault,” “unbreakable” and “survivor.” The performance ended with Lady Gaga and the survivors holding their hands high as a sign of strength and solidarity. It was a powerful statement, earning a standing ovation and bringing some audience members to tears.
Larson, who was later awarded the Oscar for Best Actress, was clearly moved by the performance. As the survivors walked off stage, Larson stood from her seat and quickly hugged each of them as they walked by. Her act of kindness was caught on camera by an audience member, who posted the moment on Twitter.
Then best actress fave Brie Larson gets up, hugs each, every one. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/OI3cFZaLtl
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 29, 2016
After an emotional night for these survivors—who were given a platform to bring attention to this widespread yet often ignored issue, which is obviously personal to them—they surely appreciated Larson’s comforting hug.