Rahsheeda Ali | December 26, 2014 10:00 am

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt

This year’s feminist explosion seemingly came from nowhere, but by the end of 2014, gender equality was a hot topic in Hollywood. Which celebrities advanced feminism — and who caused controversy when wading into the equality debate?

Emma Watson showed her feminism bona fides with a UN speech, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt held it down for male feminists. Shailene Woodley caused a stir with ill-informed comments about gender roles, while Lena Dunham’s feminist followers were urged to abandon her.

Browse through our gallery to see the winners and losers from feminism’s big year.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]

Tags: Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence, Lena Dunham

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