The American poet was joined by Katy Perry, Lorde, Channing Dungey, and Rita Moreno as they were recognised at the event for their philanthropic work.
When presenting Gorman with the award, Jolie said she praised the national youth poet laureate for captivating the country at the inauguration of President Joe Biden as she said: ‘The young woman of grace, who stepped fearlessly to the podium on inauguration day. Not just the youngest but the strongest voice we could ask for in that moment’
Jolie quoted some of Gorman’s own words as she continued: ‘A little girl with a speech impediment. In her own words, “a buck-toothed, kinky-haired, speech-garbled 7-year-old”‘
‘So many girls have their progress in life derailed — by poverty, by the disapproving word, the clenched fist, or the steel of the gun. How many Amanda’s are living in Afghanistan, hiding their journals, waiting to see if they will be allowed to go to school? As if anyone has the right to decide what a woman can or cannot do with her own mind and body.’
The Malificent star concluded with a message about free speech as she said: ‘Those who have the power of free speech – the weapon of free speech – must combine to defend those who do not. We need voices like Amanda’s, those lights in the dark. May you burn fiercely, and light the way for others.’
