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Roger L. Simon

by Roger L Simon
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The Academy Awards Come Out of the Closet

February 25th, 2013 - 12:00 am

Now let me be clear.  I think politics has a great and important place in filmmaking.  It’s at the heart of some of my favorite movies, from The Lives of Others to the decidedly Marxist Potemkin.  And, despite some quibbles, Argo, this year’s winner, is a worthy political film too.

It just doesn’t have a place in the Academy Awards. It’s bad enough the event is usually riddled with obligatory two-bit pot shots at the right (like Sunday’s gratuitous comment about the “Christian right” not liking vampires that drew a ripple of confused laughter).  It’s now become a venue for outright electioneering.

Perhaps 2014’s awards could feature Nancy Pelosi, cheerleading the Democrats on in a bid to retake the House.

So here we go again. What do we do? Boycott them?  Maybe the right should start its own Conservative and Libertarian Academy Awards.  The problem is there won’t be many decent candidates.

But that’s the point. That’s why I considered not writing this article in the first place. (Obviously, I couldn’t resist.) Much more important than bitching about the Academy Awards – they’re only prizes, after all – is making movies of your own with themes that match your values.

If you don’t do that, it’s irrelevant whether Michelle Obama or Harry Reid host the Academy Awards.

Now hold on… there’s an idea.  Harry Reid hosting the Academy Awards.  Talk about vampires.

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Top Rated Comments   
So,.... who reported Tex for what infraction? Read the whole thing twice and nothing is popping-out at me.
Lordy, we're gettin' just like Progressives, 'round these-here parts.
Say it ain't so, bunkie..........
So,.... who reported Tex for what infraction? Read the whole thing twice and nothing is popping-out at me.
Lordy, we're gettin' just like Progressives, 'round these-here parts.
Say it ain't so, bunkie..........
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 11:32:50 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 11:32:50 PST 2013 1
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Um, because, unlike Michelle Obama, Ronald Reagan was a member of the Academy and an actor who had worked for decades on film and TV.
Um, because, unlike Michelle Obama, Ronald Reagan was a member of the Academy and an actor who had worked for decades on film and TV.
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 08:50:48 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 08:50:48 PST 2013 1
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I had not watched something like the Oscars in years, perhaps as close as I had come to watching the Country Music Awards one night a few years back with nothing else on. And that was completely removed from politics and far superior in entertainment to what I watched last night.

I would not have watched last night, but baby daughter was in town and likes to watch the Academy Awards. Mom and Dad, wanting to spend every moment with her possible, did the obligatory sit and watch. Frankly, it was dull as hell except for Adele and Shirley Bassey.

Since my wife is pretty apolitical and registered Democrat, though she hasn't voted for a Democrat in our 26 years of marriage, she just kind of rolled her eyes when Shelly Antoinette made her stage appearance. However, I was angry.

Can we not keep... (show more)
I had not watched something like the Oscars in years, perhaps as close as I had come to watching the Country Music Awards one night a few years back with nothing else on. And that was completely removed from politics and far superior in entertainment to what I watched last night.

I would not have watched last night, but baby daughter was in town and likes to watch the Academy Awards. Mom and Dad, wanting to spend every moment with her possible, did the obligatory sit and watch. Frankly, it was dull as hell except for Adele and Shirley Bassey.

Since my wife is pretty apolitical and registered Democrat, though she hasn't voted for a Democrat in our 26 years of marriage, she just kind of rolled her eyes when Shelly Antoinette made her stage appearance. However, I was angry.

Can we not keep this feckless and vain couple off of anything anymore? I thought there would never be a day again when any couple could match the Clintons in classlessness and lack of tact. Hillary Clinton is Mother Theresa compared to immense ego of Shelly Antoinette.

I have had the displeasure of watching these putrid people on everything from NCAA basketball, to the Super Bowl, and now the Oscars - a reminder why I am watching less and less TV these days and have gone to exactly three movies in four years at the theater.

This may sound unAmerican, but I can't even stand to look at Barack or Michelle Obama anymore. It's a race to the previous channel button when either makes an appearance on my big screen. I have far, far more allegiance to Benjamin Netanyahu than I do Barack Obama. And I don't give a damn who that really offends. I loathe the Obamas. (show less)
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 04:28:53 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 04:28:53 PST 2013 1
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All Comments   (110)
All Comments   (110)
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Hey, there was a silver lining! The latest self-hating anti-Israel offerings from Israeli filmmakers did not win best documentary for a change. As an Israeli, I think maybe we should support those boycotting our artists; it's not as if our artists are on our side.
Hey, there was a silver lining! The latest self-hating anti-Israel offerings from Israeli filmmakers did not win best documentary for a change. As an Israeli, I think maybe we should support those boycotting our artists; it's not as if our artists are on our side.
11 weeks ago Sun Mar 03 11:35:04 PST 2013 1
11 weeks ago Sun Mar 03 11:35:04 PST 2013 1
Link To Comment
Can you think of much in the culture, since the mid-sixties, that hasn't been warped? Think how warped the bulk of the public must be. Garbage in, garbage out.
Can you think of much in the culture, since the mid-sixties, that hasn't been warped? Think how warped the bulk of the public must be. Garbage in, garbage out.
12 weeks ago Tue Feb 26 13:24:14 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Tue Feb 26 13:24:14 PST 2013 1
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No wonder the Oscar broadcast keeps losing viewers.
No wonder the Oscar broadcast keeps losing viewers.
12 weeks ago Tue Feb 26 12:13:09 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Tue Feb 26 12:13:09 PST 2013 1
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it's all of a piece. as we become dumber the academy awards show gains more of an audience. soon, we will be hosting that show for the so called reality tv "stars" and the shows. reading a book of course, might help if there were any bookstores anymore.
it's all of a piece. as we become dumber the academy awards show gains more of an audience. soon, we will be hosting that show for the so called reality tv "stars" and the shows. reading a book of course, might help if there were any bookstores anymore.
12 weeks ago Tue Feb 26 10:31:18 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Tue Feb 26 10:31:18 PST 2013 1
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Brian Sack of Glen Beck's channel had a little clip imagining a reality show red carpet.
Brian Sack of Glen Beck's channel had a little clip imagining a reality show red carpet.
11 weeks ago Sun Mar 03 11:36:23 PST 2013 1
11 weeks ago Sun Mar 03 11:36:23 PST 2013 1
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I agree with the other posters who say they do not bother watching awards shows. I haven't watched one in several years. I do think the one positive role of the Oscars is calling attention to some movies which do not receive much publicity. The best foreign film this year, "Amour," was a really great film. Of course, it will never have the ticket sales of "The Avengers," or most of the drivel that comes out of Hollywood. Last years Best Foreign Film, "A Separation," was the best film of the year, in my opinion (and the opinion of people such as Joel Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal). If any such movies can receive some positive feedback and attention because of the Oscars, then that is a good thing. But, I agree, I don't care at all for the political statements and personal views... (show more)
I agree with the other posters who say they do not bother watching awards shows. I haven't watched one in several years. I do think the one positive role of the Oscars is calling attention to some movies which do not receive much publicity. The best foreign film this year, "Amour," was a really great film. Of course, it will never have the ticket sales of "The Avengers," or most of the drivel that comes out of Hollywood. Last years Best Foreign Film, "A Separation," was the best film of the year, in my opinion (and the opinion of people such as Joel Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal). If any such movies can receive some positive feedback and attention because of the Oscars, then that is a good thing. But, I agree, I don't care at all for the political statements and personal views of the movie industry bigwigs. (show less)
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 20:14:18 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 20:14:18 PST 2013 1
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Do you realize that Bob Hope was once considered edgy?
Do you realize that Bob Hope was once considered edgy?
11 weeks ago Sun Mar 03 11:36:51 PST 2013 1
11 weeks ago Sun Mar 03 11:36:51 PST 2013 1
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Payback time for Mrs USURPER on behalf of her husband Barry HUSSEIN and the Deem'o'crats to there 'low information' 'educationally deprived' but RICH donators. On top of the Tax Breaks they give these Fat Cat 1%ers of course.
Payback time for Mrs USURPER on behalf of her husband Barry HUSSEIN and the Deem'o'crats to there 'low information' 'educationally deprived' but RICH donators. On top of the Tax Breaks they give these Fat Cat 1%ers of course.
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 19:00:30 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 19:00:30 PST 2013 1
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What's up with Michelle's hair? Just asking. . .
What's up with Michelle's hair? Just asking. . .
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 17:11:28 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 17:11:28 PST 2013 1
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Can you explain how your wife can be "apolitical" yet vote GOP in every election for 26 years straight?

Someone who constantly votes the party line for 26 years must have some pretty strong political views!
Can you explain how your wife can be "apolitical" yet vote GOP in every election for 26 years straight?

Someone who constantly votes the party line for 26 years must have some pretty strong political views!
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 15:36:13 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 15:36:13 PST 2013 1
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I was mostly wondering if Clint Eastwood might now cast Anne Hathaway instead of Beyonce for that remake of 'A Star is Born'.

Nice shout-out for Taiwan by Ang Lee.

Terrible jokes - and terrible Ted. Still, I thought the Obama appearance spared all of us from an embarrassment by Nicholson, but I thought it had much to do with 'selling American films' as anything else. Yes, I DID shout at the tv "You didn't build that"
I was mostly wondering if Clint Eastwood might now cast Anne Hathaway instead of Beyonce for that remake of 'A Star is Born'.

Nice shout-out for Taiwan by Ang Lee.

Terrible jokes - and terrible Ted. Still, I thought the Obama appearance spared all of us from an embarrassment by Nicholson, but I thought it had much to do with 'selling American films' as anything else. Yes, I DID shout at the tv "You didn't build that"
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 15:31:49 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 15:31:49 PST 2013 1
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K2K you could have shouted something even more alarming as I did here:<a href="http://clarespark.com/2013/02/25/potus-michelle-and-the-end-of-the-democratic-republic/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://clarespark.com/2013/02/25/potus-michelle-and-the-end-of-the-democratic-republic/</a>.
K2K you could have shouted something even more alarming as I did here:<a href="http://clarespark.com/2013/02/25/potus-michelle-and-the-end-of-the-democratic-republic/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://clarespark.com/2013/02/25/potus-michelle-and-the-end-of-the-democratic-republic/</a>.
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 20:13:06 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 20:13:06 PST 2013 1
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I don't know what happened with Tex's comment: "classlessness," "feckless," "vain," and "putrid" are more or less par for the course for his brand of name-calling, (it's the way his mind works) so it shouldn't be "reported," just criticized, as I tried to do, or "liked" as 20 others have done.
But there should also be some understanding of the new ground rules. Does one "report" get one into that category? As someone has already pointed out, it is possible to accidentally hit "report." It's good that one can still look at the comment, as I am sure everyone did, but it seems that it should take three "reports" OR a judgment by a moderator to get a post put into that category
We should also be understanding of Tex's... (show more)
I don't know what happened with Tex's comment: "classlessness," "feckless," "vain," and "putrid" are more or less par for the course for his brand of name-calling, (it's the way his mind works) so it shouldn't be "reported," just criticized, as I tried to do, or "liked" as 20 others have done.
But there should also be some understanding of the new ground rules. Does one "report" get one into that category? As someone has already pointed out, it is possible to accidentally hit "report." It's good that one can still look at the comment, as I am sure everyone did, but it seems that it should take three "reports" OR a judgment by a moderator to get a post put into that category
We should also be understanding of Tex's PERSONAL disdain for the president and his wife, since he obviously experiences the frustration of having a wife and daughter, who force the old guy to watch Michelle-Oscar porn.
Other Presidents and/or first ladies have participated, but apparently, this particular instance is over some line. Please. (show less)
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 15:19:18 PST 2013 1
12 weeks ago Mon Feb 25 15:19:18 PST 2013 1
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