She’s independent, classy, determined and often undeterred — so perhaps it’s not much of a surprise that Miss Piggy of Muppet fame is going to be honored with the Sackler Center First Awards. Honoring women who have made “groundbreaking contributions to their fields,” the First Award, which Miss Piggy will receive on June 4th, is no small matter. Miss Piggy will be joining the ranks of Toni Morrison, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Connie Chung, all of whom have received their own First Awards.
Of course, Miss Piggy took the news in stride, and she is completely not surprised that the Sackler Center has decided to recognize her achievements.
“Moi is thrilled — but frankly, not surprised to be receiving this Sackler Center First Award. It is truly wonderful to be celebrated and share this honor with fellow legends, role models and pioneers of female fabulosity. We rock!”
Many may think that Miss Piggy is an unlikely award recipient — she is, after all, a puppet. But Elizabeth Sackler, activist and founder of the Sackler Center, says that Miss Piggy absolutely defines the type of woman for whom the award is meant.
“Miss Piggy deservedly joins this august pantheon of extraordinary women who have previously received the award. Miss Piggy embodies exceptional spirit, determination, and grit, when needed, which has taught important lessons about overcoming obstacles to millions of young people, parents, grandparents and virtually everyone who has ever watched this indomitable character on television or in films.”
Sackler will present Miss Piggy with her award — her first award ever — and after Miss Piggy’s acceptance speech, she will be interviewed by famed feminist Gloria Steinham.
Kermit the Frog will also be in attendance at the ceremony, of course, to see Miss Piggy receive this prestigious award.
In a 2014 interview , Miss Piggy highlighted several reasons why she does actually deserve the prestigious feminist award.
When asked what girls who are suffering a crisis of confidence should do, Miss Piggy replied, “Don’t feel sorry for yourself, girls. Love yourself and the world will love you. And if you can’t love yourself, start by loving moi and work your way from there.”
When asked about body image, Miss Piggy’s answer was just as empowering.
“I love my body and my body image, which is voluptuous with just a hint of va-va-va-voom. You see, moi believes that style comes in all sizes; The bigger you are, the more style you have.”
As for what it’s like to survive in a male-dominated career field, Miss Piggy assured her audience that it was a breeze, saying, “I think the question is upside down. It’s they who have to survive and moi who does the dominating.”
And when asked if she would consider herself a feminist, Miss Piggy’s answer was a perfect blend of feminism and Miss Piggy’s famed sass.
“I don’t mind being called a feminist, as long as I get top billing.”
Miss Piggy’s long-time flame Kermit the Frog recently made headlines, when a new species of frog that looked just like the Muppet was discovered. Kermit admitted to a “family resemblance.” To see Kermit’s “cousin,” click here .
[Photo by Kevin Winters / Getty Images]