Finally, Hollywood icon and all-round national treasure Laura Dern has been recognised for her contribution to queer culture – through the medium of song, no less.
The actress, director, producer and goddess was celebrated in all her glory at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday when the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles literally sang her praises for a full minute.
The song began as a musical tribute to the movie moments of 2019 that were gay in energy if not in name, starting with “Idina Menzel in Uncut Gems, J Lo pole-dancing to Fiona Apple, FKA Twigs talking about snakes, the title of the film Diane.”
Other worthy mentions include Octavia Spencer playing a history teacher, Renée Zellweger’s entire press tour, the women of Parasite and “the concept of a cursed bird.”
It continues with “the kid from Marriage Story probably one day, he’s obsessed with Halloween and loves his mother,” before culminating in a full-on ode to Dern’s own role in the film.
“Laura Dern kicking her feet on the couch, Laura Dern ordering a kale salad, Laura Dern dressed slutty in court, just all of Laura Dern,” the choir sings.
ICYMI: The @GMCLA KILLED IT at the 2020 @FilmIndependent #SpiritAwards 🎵 pic.twitter.com/94pYtDLk4V
— Film Independent (@filmindependent) February 9, 2020
Laura Dern understandably loses it and breaks into hysterical laughter, but it gets even better as the choir begins to chant her name reverently while a montage of Dern’s various film roles fill the screen.
The song then turns into a soulful number as singer Alex Newell Āoncè came on stage and belted the actress’s name. Dern waved her hands in the seat and laughed alongside her fellow actors, clearly revelling in the hilarious tribute.
Dern has enjoyed a glittering run through this year’s awards season thanks to her role as a divorce attorney in Marriage Story.
The 52-year-old has won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among others, and is expected to win the best supporting actress Oscar as well.