On (Other) Oscar Results

At least "Brokeback Mountain" — the way overhyped gay white cowboy flick — didn't win the Best Picture award. I was rooting for "Crash" — one of the better movies that I saw last year, and which made a surprise win. So I wrongly stated yesterday that even a film about racism couldn't steamroll over Hollywood's agenda to force "Brokeback Mountain" down our throats. One good move last night. I also liked that Reese Witherspoon won the Best Actress award for her performance in "Walk The Line", another movie that I liked. It was funny that host Jon Stewart called it a remake ("it's 'Ray'...with white people").

However, I take issue with one of George Clooney's claim. Responding to Jon Stewart's criticisms of folks who argue that Hollywood is out of touch with mainstream American values, Mr. Clooney stated in his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor (for "Syriana") that Hollywood was at the forefront on AIDS activism and for civil rights so being out of touch is not a bad thing. True, but slow down. Correct on AIDS activism, not quite correct on civil rights. While Hollywood was still pumping out racist movies and denying decent roles to black folks, black folks were out fighting for our rights. And it was Black Hollywood — not your white selves — who were at the forefront of civil rights activism. Don't pat yourself on the back there, because it certainly ain't due.