Who Watches These Things?
Drudge is currently running a report that Oscar host Chris Rock has stated, "What straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? Show me one." Rock went on to say, "I've never watched the Oscars. Come on, it's a fashion show." Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, sponsors of the Oscars, are beginning to consider replacing Rock as host, even at this late date.
Despite Rock's politically incorrect comments, he's right. No one that I know watches the Oscars. Especially when one of the year's largest grossing film -- The Passion of the Christ -- is not being considered in any significant categories. Over the past couple of years, I have begun to consider that these award shows -- the Oscars, the SAG Awards, Cannes, Sundance, etc. -- are merely very public cases of narcissism. I mean, really, who makes the decisions? People in the industry. So, these awards are merely self congratulation and a public forum for artists to make whatever political of social commentary they want. What color will the ribbons be this year? What is the current cause celeb? How can these actors, directors and producers embarrass themselves this year?
In a way, I think Rock's remarks will have positive effect (I hope). By making such an inflammatory remark, maybe people will consider his message. What purpose do these award shows have? Most of them awards shows without regard to public opinion. Because a movie about the torture and death of Jesus of Nazareth is not politically palatable, it will get no notice by the MPAA despite its very obvious acceptance by the public. There are many other examples of how the Oscars, and similar awards shows, have ignored what is publicly accepted for what is politically notable. While I understand that there will be films that are not accessible, either artistically or intellectually, to the public which will deserve notice and not receive it, this is more the exception than the rule. So, when it comes down to it, the Oscars, as Rock has said, is really just a fashion show -- another excuse for Joan Rivers to come out and be obnoxious.
When it comes to the Oscars, just tune out. I will.
Despite Rock's politically incorrect comments, he's right. No one that I know watches the Oscars. Especially when one of the year's largest grossing film -- The Passion of the Christ -- is not being considered in any significant categories. Over the past couple of years, I have begun to consider that these award shows -- the Oscars, the SAG Awards, Cannes, Sundance, etc. -- are merely very public cases of narcissism. I mean, really, who makes the decisions? People in the industry. So, these awards are merely self congratulation and a public forum for artists to make whatever political of social commentary they want. What color will the ribbons be this year? What is the current cause celeb? How can these actors, directors and producers embarrass themselves this year?
In a way, I think Rock's remarks will have positive effect (I hope). By making such an inflammatory remark, maybe people will consider his message. What purpose do these award shows have? Most of them awards shows without regard to public opinion. Because a movie about the torture and death of Jesus of Nazareth is not politically palatable, it will get no notice by the MPAA despite its very obvious acceptance by the public. There are many other examples of how the Oscars, and similar awards shows, have ignored what is publicly accepted for what is politically notable. While I understand that there will be films that are not accessible, either artistically or intellectually, to the public which will deserve notice and not receive it, this is more the exception than the rule. So, when it comes down to it, the Oscars, as Rock has said, is really just a fashion show -- another excuse for Joan Rivers to come out and be obnoxious.
When it comes to the Oscars, just tune out. I will.
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