ACCEPTANCE PREACHES (Academy Awards)

New York Post ^ | 3/10/03 | LOU LUMENICK

[kattracks]

OSCAR producers - already biting their nails over the possibility of postponing the ceremonies in the event of an Iraq invasion - are also struggling to prevent Hollywood's big night from turning into one big fat anti-war rally.

Tinseltown insiders say the Academy wants to head off leftist political rants that might turn off the TV audience -and give major agita to advertisers who have ponied up more than $75 million to buy advertising spots on the show.

[kattracks]

ANTI-WAR ACTIVISTS ARE LISTLESS

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March 10, 2003 --

ANTI-WAR activists who aren't on the presenters list: Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Spike Lee, George Clooney, Edward Norton, Janeane Garofalo, Dennis Hopper, Rosario Dawson, Meryl Streep, Vanessa Redgrave.

[Russell Scott]

The Oscars used to at least be kind of exciting to watch. Now with a dozen other self-congratulating awards shows preceding it, it has become anti-climatic.

[Highest Authority]

Boycott watching the awards and destroy their tv ratings!!!!

[weegee]

They didn't even nominate movies that I went to see (or plan to see). The boycott began before they even decided on the airdate; I could care less about their party.

[Indiana Girl]

Darn it...what did Dennis Hopper say? I've always sort of liked him.

[PoisedWoman]

IMHO, the only reason to watch Hollywood pat itself on the back is to see the clothes. If I turn it on at all, I'll mute the entire show.

Come to think of it, Hallie Berry was such an idiot last year, I'll read a book instead.

[PoisedWoman]

On Ebert and Roeper tonight (Sunday), Roeper said he hoped they all kept their mouths shut about politics, as their opinions were as worthless as Trent Lott's comment on the movies. Ebert, the total leftie, hoped that Michael Moore would win so he could make a big stink about Iraq.

[thegreatbeast]

I saw a comment a couple of weeks back in which Hopper offered support for an invasion of Iraq. Maybe this is a mistake?

[libertylover]

Ah, the Academy Awards. That night when Hollywood stars arrive in 30 feet long limosines, the women wearing $20,000 dresses and sporting $5,000 hair-dos. Then they stand up and tell Americans they're selfish and greedy for driving SUVs and wanting $500 in tax relief.

[rabidralph]

That would be Garrison Keillor. Don't ask me how I know :-)

[ECM]

Did Tim Robbins launch into a tirade during his acceptance?

(sorry: don't watch TV so I couldn't see for myself)