AceShowbiz - During the recent National Board of Review awards gala in New York, Ryan Coogler and Laura Poitras took a moment to address pressing political issues, notably the tragic killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. While the 2026 Golden Globes saw minimal political commentary, Coogler, who was recognized for best original screenplay for , highlighted the need for awareness surrounding social justice.

Renee Good was shot fatally by an ICE agent last week while attempting to move her car, a situation that has drawn condemnation from various political figures and activists. Many consider the incident an act of murder, while officials from the Trump administration have asserted that the officer acted in self-defense and labeled Good as a “domestic terrorist.” This tragic event has sparked protests across Minnesota and beyond, making it a focal point of discussion at the gala.

As Coogler accepted his award, he reflected on his earlier work, particularly Fruitvale Station, which dealt with similar themes of violence and injustice. "I was young and naive, and I thought the movie was going to change the world and make it so you didn’t see people executed by civil servants on camera anymore," he shared. "I was proven wrong again and again. And it’s tough to be here and not think about Minnesota." His heart-wrenching comments resonated deeply with the audience, as he acknowledged the pain surrounding Good’s death.

Coogler went on to talk about the inspiration behind his filmmaking, dedicating his speech to his late Uncle James, who passed away while he was busy working on another project. He credited his college professor, Rosemary Graham, with encouraging his passion for storytelling; she was present at the ceremony to witness her former student’s success.

Meanwhile, Laura Poitras and her co-director Mark Obenhaus also utilized their platform to discuss the injustice surrounding Good's killing while accepting the award for best documentary for their film, , which examines the work of investigative journalist Seymour Hersh. Obenhaus made a statement of solidarity by wearing an “ICE Out” pin, similar to those sported by several attendees at the Golden Globes.

Poitras described the current sociopolitical climate as “schizophrenic,” illustrating the disarray and conflicting narratives surrounding human rights issues today. Their powerful remarks at the National Board of Review awards gala underlined the importance of using artistic platforms to advocate for justice and amplify voices that often go unheard.