Academy Awards Take on Trump: A Look at the 2017 Ceremony Response
Did The Academy Awards Respond To Trump? This was the question on everyone's lips ahead of the 2017 Oscars. After a tumultuous year in American politics, many were wondering whether Hollywood's biggest night would serve as a platform for dissent against the new administration.
As it turned out, the answer was an emphatic yes. From host Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue to the powerful speeches of winners like Viola Davis and Mahershala Ali, the 2017 Oscars were a showcase of resistance to Trump's divisive policies and rhetoric.
The evening started with Kimmel taking aim at the president, joking that the Oscars ceremony was being watched live by millions of people in 225 countries that now hate us. It was a direct shot at the isolationist policies that Trump had espoused during his campaign and early days in office.
But Kimmel wasn't the only one taking aim at the president. Ali, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Moonlight, used his acceptance speech to speak out against the travel ban that Trump had enacted just weeks earlier. We kind of build these walls and invigorate them, he said. And they separate us.
This get-together of some of the world's biggest stars also saw some unforgettable moments of pride and defiance. Asghar Farhadi, the Iranian director whose film The Salesman won Best Foreign Language Film, boycotted the event in protest of Trump's travel ban. Instead, he sent Iranian-American astronaut Anousheh Ansari to read a statement on his behalf: My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations whom have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Lin-Manuel Miranda delivered a searing rap on behalf of all immigrants that brought the house down:
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is loveCannot be killed or swept aside, he rapped. I sing, Vanessa celebrates, we rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer.
So did The Academy Awards Respond To Trump? Absolutely, and in the most powerful way possible. Hollywood's elite used their platform to speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and intolerance, challenging Trump's agenda at every turn.
It's no wonder that this year's Oscars were one of the most-watched events in recent history, with over 32 million viewers tuning in to see what Hollywood would say next. And while some may scoff at the idea of celebrities using award shows for political discourse, the truth is that they have a unique opportunity to reach millions of people all over the world, and that's not something to be taken lightly.
In the end, The Academy Awards Responded To Trump in a way that was courageous, inspiring, and unforgettable. They showed that even in dark times, there is still room for hope and optimism. And that's a message that we can all take to heart.
"Did The Academy Awards Respond To Trump" ~ bbaz
On February 26th, 2017, the 89th Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. As is customary, the host of the evening, Jimmy Kimmel, opened the show with a monologue that addressed current events and politics. This year, however, the political landscape was especially charged due to the recent election of President Donald Trump. Many viewers were curious to see if the Academy Awards would respond to Trump's presidency in any way, and Kimmel himself acknowledged these expectations, stating, This broadcast is being watched live by millions of Americans, and around the world in more than 225 countries that now hate us. And I think that is an amazing thing. So, how did the Academy Awards respond to Trump?
The Monologue
Kimmel's monologue included several jokes that poked fun at the president and his policies. He joked about Trump's tweets, saying I want to say thank you to President Trump. Remember last year when it seemed like the Oscars were racist? and quipped about the recent immigration ban: Some of you will get to come up here on this stage tonight and give a speech that the president of the United States will tweet about in all caps during his 5 a.m. bowel movement tomorrow. These jabs were met with laughter and applause from the audience, but not everyone was amused.
Backlash
The response from Trump supporters and conservative media was predictably negative. Fox News called the ceremony an orgy of self-righteousness, and Breitbart accused Hollywood of using the awards show as a platform for leftist propaganda. Some viewers also criticized Kimmel for being too political and accused him of alienating half of his audience. However, others argued that it was important for artists to speak out against injustice and that the Academy Awards were an appropriate venue for political commentary.
Winning Speeches
Aside from Kimmel's monologue, several winners used their acceptance speeches to make political statements. Viola Davis, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Fences, spoke out against discrimination and inequality: There's one place where all the people with the greatest potential are gathered. One place. And that's the graveyard...So here's to August Wilson, who exhumed and exalted the ordinary people. Mahershala Ali, who won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Moonlight, echoed Davis's sentiments, saying, It's not about you. It's about these characters. You are a servant. You're in service to these stories and these characters that have been richly developed by these incredible writers.
The Absence of Politics
Not all winners chose to use their platform for political statements, however. Damien Chazelle, who won Best Director for La La Land, kept his speech focused on the art of filmmaking, saying This was a movie about love, and I was lucky enough to fall in love while making it. Emma Stone, who won Best Actress for her role in the same film, spoke about the power of creativity and charged the audience to stand up for the arts. These speeches, while not overtly political, still carried an important message about the importance of artistic expression.
The Final Moment
The most memorable moment of the night came at the end of the ceremony, when the award for Best Picture was mistakenly given to La La Land, before it was revealed that the actual winner was Moonlight. While this moment was not explicitly political, it served as a metaphor for the current political climate, in which the truth can be obscured or denied. The reversal also served as a reminder that art has the power to challenge and subvert existing systems and narratives.
The Verdict
So, did the Academy Awards respond to Trump? The answer is yes and no. While Kimmel's monologue and some of the acceptance speeches were undeniably political, not all winners chose to make overt statements, and many speeches focused on the power of art and creativity rather than on divisive political issues. Whether or not this balance was effective or appropriate is up for debate. However, it is clear that the Academy Awards, like much of the entertainment industry, is grappling with how best to respond to the current political climate.
In conclusion, the 89th Academy Awards ceremony was a reflection of the turbulent times we are living in. While some viewers may have been hoping for a more explicit rebuke of the Trump administration, the evening served as a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change. Whether or not the Academy Awards will continue to be a site of political commentary remains to be seen, but it is clear that artists and their audiences will continue to use their platforms to speak out against injustice and discrimination.
Did The Academy Awards Respond To Trump?
The Golden Globes Ceremony
On January 8th, 2017, Meryl Streep gave a speech at the 74th Golden Globe Awards. She didn't mention President Donald Trump by name, but it was clear that she was talking about him. She criticized his attitudes towards immigrants and mocked him for mocking a disabled reporter during the election. The speech received widespread coverage in the media, and many praised Streep for using her platform to speak out against the president-elect.
Positive Responses
Streep's speech received an overwhelmingly positive response from celebrities, journalists, and social media users. Many praised her for using her moment of acceptance to draw attention to important issues and urge others to take action. Some also noted that the speech reminded them of the importance of free speech and the need for more voices to speak out against injustice.
Negative Responses
However, there were also many negative responses to Streep's speech. Some accused her of being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Americans and of using her celebrity status to lecture others. Others criticized her for making political statements at an awards ceremony, arguing that it was inappropriate and disrespectful to the other winners and nominees.
The Oscars Ceremony
One month later, the Academy Awards ceremony took place on February 26th, 2017. After months of speculation, many people wondered whether the Oscars would respond to Trump's presidency in a similar way to the Golden Globes. Would celebrities use the ceremony as a platform to criticize the president?
Speeches
Several speeches at the Oscars did contain political messages or references. For example, presenter Gael Garcia Bernal spoke out against the wall proposed by Trump on the US-Mexico border, and Best Foreign Language Film winner Asghar Farhadi chose to boycott the event in protest at the administration's travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. However, most of the speeches were focused on celebrating the films and thanking colleagues and family members.
Performances
There were also several musical performances throughout the evening that could be interpreted as political statements. For example, singer-songwriter Sting sang The Empty Chair, a tribute to journalist James Foley who was killed by ISIS, with an empty chair as a symbol of those who have been silenced by violence or oppression.
Comparison Table: Golden Globes vs Oscars
| Category | Golden Globes | Oscars |
|---|---|---|
| Speeches | Meryl Streep criticized Trump | Several speeches contained political messages or references |
| Performances | N/A | Several performances could be interpreted as political statements |
| Responses | Mostly positive, some negative | Mixed |
Conclusion
Overall, it's clear that the Academy Awards did respond to Trump, but not in the same way as the Golden Globes. While there were several political messages in both speeches and performances, the ceremony as a whole remained focused on honoring the year's best films and filmmakers. Some may argue that this was the right approach, as the Oscars are primarily about celebrating the art of cinema rather than political activism. Others may feel that the ceremony missed an opportunity to make a more explicit statement against the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric.
Ultimately, whether or not the Academy Awards respond to Trump in the future remains to be seen. The controversy and debate surrounding the current administration is sure to continue for some time, and it's likely that other awards ceremonies and public events will continue to be used as platforms for political expression.
Did The Academy Awards Respond To Trump?
Introduction
The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, is one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment industry. It is a night where Hollywood's finest gather to celebrate the best in movies from the past year. However, the 2017 ceremony was not without controversy. With President Donald Trump in office, many were curious if the Academy would respond to his policies and comments. In this article, we will take a look at whether the Academy Awards responded to Trump.Background Information
Donald Trump, even before he was elected President of the United States, was known for his controversial remarks and actions. His campaign was built on building a wall along the US-Mexico border and banning Muslims from entering the country. Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election shocked many who opposed him and his policies.Throughout his presidency, Trump has continued to make divisive statements and actions that have gained worldwide attention. This has led to protests and unrest in various parts of the world.Absence of Politics in the Ceremony
In previous years, the Oscars had been a platform for celebrities to speak out against political issues. Acceptance speeches highlighted causes and presenters often made jokes regarding current news stories. However, the 89th Academy Awards ceremony in 2017 was different.The ceremony’s host, Jimmy Kimmel, did not shy away from making remarks about Trump but chose not to make it the focus of the night. He said, We're here to honour the actors who seem great but actually aren’t, mocking Trump followers who thought he would be a good president.Kimmel’s Swipe at Trump's Twitter
Despite the absence of politics, Kimmel managed to squeeze in a dig at the President's Twitter account, which he was known to be quite active on. In the middle of the ceremony, Kimmel tweeted at Trump, asking him if he was up and watching.Trump responded the next morning with a tweet, accusing Kimmel of doing a terrible job compared to previous hosts. This tweet received a strong backlash from many celebrities, who defended Kimmel's performance during the ceremony.The Political Statements in Acceptance Speeches
Even though the Academy Awards did not focus on politics, many of the acceptance speeches had political undertones. Winona Ryder made a statement, saying that Hollywood was the most vilified community in America and tried to create a diverse group of people.Moonlight director Barry Jenkins used his speech to address the current political climate, saying that it was about telling stories that reflect all of us. Mahershala Ali, the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar for acting, gave a poignant speech, stating that everyone is given a chance to tell their story.Conclusion
The lack of politics during the 89th Academy Awards may have been surprising to many people, given the current political climate. However, the ceremony’s subtle jabs at Trump showed that the entertainment industry was not afraid to speak out against policies they disagree with. The absence of political content in the ceremony allowed the awards show to stay true to its original purpose - celebrating the best in cinema.Did the Academy Awards Respond to Trump?
Another year, another Academy Awards. As always, the event brought in numerous celebs and accolades for some of the biggest movies of the year. However, many were wondering if the ceremony would address the elephant in the room - namely, President Donald Trump's policies.This question was answered in various ways as the night went on. Here is a closer look at how the Oscars responded to the current political climate.
Right off the bat, the ceremony began with host Jimmy Kimmel firing back at Trump. In his opening monologue, Kimmel reminded the president about the massive amount of losers he inspired with last year's travel ban. He then proceeded to joke that immigrants could now get kicked out of the country unless they had already won an Academy Award - a blatant dig at Trump's stance on immigration.
This wasn't the only time Trump was mentioned. At one point, it was announced that a certain Oscar-winning film was being released without a Muslim ban. There were several other zingers made about the president throughout the night - more than some might have expected from the usually-buttoned-down ceremony.
There were also several protests outside of the event. Some of them included stars like Mark Ruffalo, who protested against Standing Rock and Trump's environmental policies. Meanwhile, Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti made headlines following her tweet calling the travel ban “racist.”
While many may applaud the Oscars for speaking truth to power, there are valid criticisms about Hollywood's bubbles. The fact is, there is very little that will actually change as a result of this kind of grandstanding. There's also the issue of celebrity hypocrisy - some people may be tired of these stars railing against Trump, while also taking part in a large, expensive event.
Still, there were moments of the Oscars that had nothing to do with politics. For example, Viola Davis gave a powerful speech about actors being the only profession tasked with celebrating life. And of course, there were some surprising victories - like Moonlight's surprise win for Best Picture over front-runner La La Land.
At the end of the day, it's up to audiences to decide how much weight they give to the Oscars' response. If the past is any indication, we'll likely see some major backlash from those who believe Hollywood should stay out of politics. But given the current political climate, it's not hard to see why those in the entertainment industry feel a responsibility to speak their minds.
Love it or hate it, the Oscars have always been about more than just movies. They are a reflection of the culture at large - and right now, that culture is more divided than ever. Whether or not you agree with Hollywood's messaging, it's safe to say that the Oscars will continue to be a place where people air their grievances. For better or for worse, that's just the way things are.
So there you have it: a closer look at how the Academy Awards responded to Trump. Whether you loved it or hated it, the night was certainly one to remember. We'll just have to wait and see how next year's ceremony will respond - if at all - to the ongoing political turmoil.
Thanks for reading!
Did The Academy Awards Respond To Trump?
What did Trump say about the Academy Awards?
President Donald Trump has been outspoken about his dislike for the Academy Awards, particularly in regards to the Best Picture win for the South Korean film Parasite in 2020. During a rally in Colorado, Trump called the movie a foreign movie, no one ever heard of it and said he wished Hollywood would return to making movies like Gone with the Wind.
Has the Academy Awards responded to Trump's comments?
The Academy Awards has not issued an official response to Trump's comments. However, several actors and industry insiders have spoken out in support of Parasite and criticized Trump's remarks. Director Bong Joon-Ho, who won Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Parasite, stated that we use only one language - the cinema in his acceptance speeches.
What impact has Trump's criticism had on the Academy Awards?
It is unclear what impact Trump's criticism has had on the Academy Awards. While the awards ceremony is often politicized, it remains a significant event in the entertainment industry and a celebration of cinema as an art form. Parasite was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and its historic Best Picture win has been celebrated as a breakthrough for international cinema.
What is the future of the Academy Awards?
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy Awards are expected to continue in some form in the coming years. The Oscars have undergone numerous changes in recent years, including the expansion of the Best Picture category to include up to ten nominees and the implementation of new diversity and inclusion initiatives. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Academy Awards will adapt and respond to changing trends and developments.
In conclusion, while the Academy Awards has not issued an official response to Trump's comments, several actors and industry insiders have spoken out in support of Parasite and criticized his remarks. The impact of his criticism on the future of the awards remains unclear, but the ceremony is expected to continue in some form despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.