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Keith Olbermann touched on a topic that was on many peoples minds after the show was over: Did the free speech at the Oscars get too political? Just a few years ago Michael Moore was booed off stage for his political comments but this year Sean Penn gets a standing ovation. What's up with that? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind (some of these points may be in the video). First of all, when Moore made his anti-Bush speech we had just gotten into the war with Iraq and people weren't feeling very opposed to the war for the most part. We had just come off of September 11th and America was in a bit of a depressed state where we were having trouble doing the things that made us happy. The feeling was so strong that the Oscars were in fear of being canceled out of guilt that it was wrong to be handing out awards when America was still grieving from it's tragic loss.
Another thing is that when Moore made his speech he did so to make the night about him, him, and him. Other actors, producers, and cameramen made comments about the war, but they were graceful and understanding. Not to mention at the time Hollywood was actually fairly polarized on what to feel about the war. It had supporters and opponents, so a mixed reaction was bound to happen. Fast forward to this years Oscars and it should come as no surprise why most of these controversial speeches didn't bother anyone. Prop 8 is still weighing heavy on peoples minds. Most of the people in Hollywood aren't religious and I can almost assure you that the few that are weren't at the show to boo Bill Maher. Then we had Dustin Lance Black, who made his political speech elegant and understanding. Compassionate as well.
Even people who don't agree with his statement had a difficult time not tearing up during it. And in truth, the only speech that rubbed people the wrong way was that of Sean Penn. Yeah, there was no booing at the show, but keep in mind: He was in a crowd of people who agreed with him. In the real world his speech has caused the biggest rift. Telling people that they should hang their head in shame for the hate they display by voting for the passing of Prop 8 is not how you make your point. Agree or not, people had their own reasons for voting the way they did. Besides, Penn has been known to be a bit homophobic himself in the past, so who's he to lecture people on how to act towards the gays and lesbians? As with every year there were speeches I liked and speeches I didn't like. But actors always make political speeches like these at the Oscars.
Do I feel they belong there? No. To quote screenplay writer Paddy Chayefsky after Vanessa Redgrave gave the audience her pro-Palestinian views during her acceptance speech:
Another thing is that when Moore made his speech he did so to make the night about him, him, and him. Other actors, producers, and cameramen made comments about the war, but they were graceful and understanding. Not to mention at the time Hollywood was actually fairly polarized on what to feel about the war. It had supporters and opponents, so a mixed reaction was bound to happen. Fast forward to this years Oscars and it should come as no surprise why most of these controversial speeches didn't bother anyone. Prop 8 is still weighing heavy on peoples minds. Most of the people in Hollywood aren't religious and I can almost assure you that the few that are weren't at the show to boo Bill Maher. Then we had Dustin Lance Black, who made his political speech elegant and understanding. Compassionate as well.
Even people who don't agree with his statement had a difficult time not tearing up during it. And in truth, the only speech that rubbed people the wrong way was that of Sean Penn. Yeah, there was no booing at the show, but keep in mind: He was in a crowd of people who agreed with him. In the real world his speech has caused the biggest rift. Telling people that they should hang their head in shame for the hate they display by voting for the passing of Prop 8 is not how you make your point. Agree or not, people had their own reasons for voting the way they did. Besides, Penn has been known to be a bit homophobic himself in the past, so who's he to lecture people on how to act towards the gays and lesbians? As with every year there were speeches I liked and speeches I didn't like. But actors always make political speeches like these at the Oscars.
Do I feel they belong there? No. To quote screenplay writer Paddy Chayefsky after Vanessa Redgrave gave the audience her pro-Palestinian views during her acceptance speech:
- "Before I get on to the writing awards, there's a little matter I'd like to tidy up--at least if I expect to live with myself tomorrow morning. I would like to say, personal opinion, of course, that I'm sick and tired of people exploiting the Academy Awards for the propagation of their own personal propaganda.
- I would like to suggest to Miss Redgrave that her winning an Academy Award is not a pivotal moment in history, does not require a proclamation and a simple 'thank you' would have sufficed."
This small speech, which should be played before an Oscar telecast every year there is a politically sensitive topic in the running is - I feel - the poster child for what's wrong with political Oscar speeches.
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