Allure: Academy Awards

Allure. That’s what it is. Like a magnet we are drawn toward the Academy Awards show. Maybe it is fueled by memories of years gone by when Sunday evening broadcasts of the show were so brightening of our lives. When I was a kid the glamour caught my attention. So many beautiful women and handsome men! So much fancy dress and glitter. Somehow the entire evening expanded into something other than it was. Personalities were magically before us in full view and their buoyant comments and brief interviews were often adorable or hilarious. I recall Shirley McLain’s appearances when she was quite young. Her hair was messy and tossed and a reporter asked her how she had done her hair and she responded – “with an eggbeater!” And of course we laughed hysterically. The entire house rocked with glee. We liked Shirley then and now.

But then it seemed fun and entertaining. The year Ellen DeGeneres hosted it was very entertaining. No one took themselves too seriously. But then we have this year’s showcase of talent. A turbulent controversy centered on Academy racism or its own turbid coolness to the subject, the topic was front and center the entire evening.

Chris Rock hosted and skewered the industry and its denizens for the controversy. Perhaps his efforts will make a difference, perhaps not. I hope they do because the Academy is the epitome of America’s culture troves and it should be open to all her people and their talents and art. Put your life on the line, your heart and soul on the line, and let the world be the judge whether it is art and beauty and grist of excellence. There are many artists of color in the Academy to not have one show up on award night as a nominee. None. What a shame.

So we dutifully began watching the show to catch Chris Rock and remained for another 45 minutes. With waning interest we realized we were doing the crossword, playing solitaire on the computer and listening haphazardly to the awards show. So at 8:15 we turned it off and went to bed. Totally unfazed by the show and its lackluster attraction.

The allure was lost because the whole of our talents were moved to an unseen backroom.

The surprise winners of Mad Max pretty much sums it up for us. Really? Mad Max. This show is art and craft and a beacon of excellence for America?

I think not. The lowest common denominators are showing their faces again, America. It’s time to raise our standards. We should begin with the Republican Party’s candidates and campaign standards. Yes, that would be a wonderful start. At least we now can understand how they slipped so badly. After all the glitter of the Academy Awards has appeal to all sorts of people!

March 1, 2016