Gaga was left in tears as she accepted the prestigious honor Sunday night for her portrayal of struggling artist Ally in A Star is Born.
Inviting Close to join her at the mic, Gaga read from a prepared speech: “I’m so honored by this. I went to places in my mind and in my heart that I did not know existed…this is a tremendous honor. I feel recognized not just for my performance but for the inner work it took in the creation of this character.
Staying on script, she explained her role was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. To relive something that I’m not quite sure I wanted to relive but I was able to be vulnerable in a way that I never have before because of that love and that trust.” The artist dedicated her trophy to those who have battled alcoholism and addiction, and those who have watched their loved ones suffer. "I wanted nothing more to show the truth and power of this very heartbreaking dynamic," she said as the crowd responded with a standing ovation.
At the top of her speech, Gaga said Close, who was feted for her performance in The Wife, was a close friend of her own mother
Earlier in the night, "Shallow," performed by Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born, was named best song at the Critics' Choice Awards.
