South Asian Gazette Worldwide News Work
Performers and other artists often take a back seat to the cause du jour at modern-day award shows.
Immigration. Sexual harassment. Gun control. Health care. The impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. Oh, and by the way, here’s the statue for best fill-in-the-blank.
The Academy Awards telecast Sunday likely will offer a fresh round of urgent liberal causes. But will all that heartfelt, “spontaneous” messaging advance the case in the court of public opinion?
The producers of this year’s Oscar show have told The New York Times to expect less politics and more focus on the films in question. That’s understandable, since the same newspaper revealed how awards show ratings plummet when artists climb onto a soapbox.
Their vow may be somewhat disingenuous all the same.
The Oscars will be hosted, once again, by Jimmy Kimmel. The ABC-TV talk show host took a hard-left turn last year, and his base may demand more of the same. Honorees will likely follow suit, just as they did during last year’s Oscar ceremony held shortly after Mr. Trump’s inauguration.
