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OSCARS MARCH ON THROUGH POLITICAL TURMOIL
By Erin Day
Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre was prepared for another year of Oscar festivities, well, almost.
On Mar. 15, 1945, the 17th annual Academy Awards still went on despite the fact that World War II was in full effect. The night was filled with patriotic speeches and pro-war fervor. After sixty years, America is again at war, but this time with mixed feelings.
With the conflict in Iraq weighing heavily on the minds of Americans, this glamorous event dedicated to filmmakers and movie stars was outshined. Before the ceremony began, Los Angeles police arrested 12 protesters who were part of an anti-war rally of about 1,000 people. The traditional ‘red carpet’ arrival was cut out the ceremony coverage because it seemed inappropriate at the time. Actors and actress appeared more “toned-down” in fashion, and in mood.
Despite moments of spontaneity and disbelief, the 75th annual Oscars were the least watched ceremony since Nielsen media research began keeping records in 1974. The awards attracted only 20% of TV homes in the United States, and an average audience of 33.1 million viewers. The record low ratings reflected the need for an American audience to keep up with the coverage on the war in Iraq.
Although the Oscars were extremely careful in this year’s coverage, there were moments of deep emotion and expression. Presenter and antiwar activist Susan Sarandon flashed a peace sign at the camera. Best actor winner Adrian Brody spoke for 45 minutes on peace and prayer.
“It fills me with great joy, but also with great sadness, because I’m accepting this award at such a strange time,” Brody said.
The highlight of the evening was when director, Michael Moore gave his “Shame on you, Mr. Bush!” acceptance speech. With a mixture of loud boo’s and applause Moore had no regrets about speaking his mind in front of a million viewers.
“I’m an American, and you don’t leave your citizenship at the door when you enter the Kodak Theatre. And I don’t stop being who I am when I come into this ceremony. I’m extremely grateful for the response,” Moore said
Sue Lawrence, department chair of communications, Marist College, and member of the Oscar Committee, had mixed feelings about Moore’s speech.
“It was amazing to see everyone’s reaction when he started to give his speech. I felt it was inappropriate, but I’m glad he did it,” Lawrence said.
Despite the turmoil occurring in our nation the event was neither cancelled or delayed. In its 75-year history, the Academy Awards has been delayed only three times.
In 1938, a flood kept the academy from giving out the Oscars. In 1968, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., just days before the awards, pushed the Oscars back two days. And in 1981, when the shooting of president Ronald Reagan pushed the ceremony back one day.
A postponement of this years Oscars in a time of war would have left a financial blow to TV networks, stations and cable channels that had Oscar programming already scheduled.