4871750
Gerald Molen, winner of the Best Picture Academy Award for producing “Schindler’s List” and a voting member of the Academy, responded to the proposed boycott of the Oscar award ceremony by claiming those boycotting are “spoiled brats” and that any “racism” is created by those who didn’t receive nominations.
Directors Spike Lee and Michael Moore, along with acting couple Jada Pinkett and Will Smith, have confirmed they will not attend the Oscar award ceremony on February 28, in rebellion of the lack of Oscar nominations given to minorities.
“As far as Michael Moore is concerned, he is a socialist always looking to insert his brand of racist hatred. Spike Lee — haven’t I heard this from him before?” Molen said. “The idea of a boycott is ridiculous. Are their noses bent out of shape by the award nominations? Of course. That is normal in a town of egos and red-carpet desires. While there were many performances of note, not all my choices for ‘best’ in the various categories have been realized.”
Molen admitted he had sympathy for Will Smith, because he gave a worthy performance in “Concussion, ” according The Hollywood Reporter.
“But even then it is not like he has been ignored or overlooked in the past. I understand his disappointment but see no prejudice or racism in his not making it. Who knows, maybe he lost by one vote, ” Molen said. “I say to all my co-members: Stop acting like spoiled brats. Look to the next awards show for recognition — if you deserve it.”
“The only comment that might have some legitimate substance is the one from Jada Pinkett. I understand her disappointment for her husband, but that doesn’t mean she is correct in her analysis, ” Molen said.
This is not the first time Molen’s political views have separated him from his colleagues. While he has produced Hollywood blockbusters such as “Jurassic Park, ” “The Last World: Jurassic Park II, ” “Twister, ” “Rain Man, ” and “Minority Report, ” he also produced Dinesh D’Souza’s 2016: Obama’s America.”
While Stack apologized for rescinding the offer, he still has not commented on his decision and whether or not the decision was because of Molen’s political views.
Molen added that while he does not know the racial makeup of the 6, 000-person Academy voting body, it is a “stupid assumption” that the white members do not vote for black actors because of their skin color.
