In her speech of gratitude, Streep delved into the profound empathy actors are required to embody for the characters they portray. She highlighted the inherent empathy audience members feel for characters on screen or stage, particularly when these characters appear or sound distinct from themselves. Streep emphasized the potential application of such empathy beyond the cinematic and theatrical realm.
She stated, “Empathy may be a radical form of outreach and diplomacy useful in other theaters of endeavor”. Streep also expressed her hope for a more empathetic world, saying, “In our world, in our increasingly hostile, volatile world, I hope we might take to heart another rule every actor is taught, that is: it is all about listening.”
The Princess of Asturias Awards, awarded annually, cover various fields such as the arts, literature, science, and international cooperation. These accolades are considered to be among the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world. This year, Meryl Streep was among the eight distinguished recipients.