All black aside. “Did I hear correctly; I mean seriously, did Leonardo DiCaprio just won his first Academy Award?”
If that news is accurate, then I have only one question. “Who the hell have they been giving these awards to?”
I am a movie buff and self-acclaimed actor’s critic. And now that the black and white issue surrounding the Oscar Awards has been mowed over somewhat, this new information has given my pen reasons to bleed again.
Chris Rock showed up at the gig and did his job, despite the masses who wanted him to bail out. He presented himself with comedy as we expected, but slyly, Chris attended as a black messenger, making it clear that all we (Blacks) want is equal acting “opportunities” and nothing more.
The almost full-house of white attendees weren’t sure if they should or could laugh at some of Chris’ comedic truths as he skillfully touched delicate yet honest subjects, but eventually the air was cleared about the issue of racism and the show commenced.
I didn’t personally watch the show, but waking up, the next day, to learn that “The Lion”/Leo (Leonardo DiCaprio) had only received his first Academy Award, offended me as equally as the delayed Idris Elba acknowledgement for his role in Beast of no Nation did.
“Leonardo is the man!” How dare it took so long to acknowledge real art and real skill. “Were these people blind to his role in Blood Diamond?”
He is a strong and convincing actor.
Mr. DiCaprio has long earned my respect, to the point where I have watched films without caring about its synopsis, but simply because it is starred Leonard DiCaprio.
His roles in J. Edgar and as undercover cop, Billy Costigan, in The Departed were just amazing and moving.
In giving him credits, I don’t even need to acknowledge him in the renowned Titanic nor in Catch Me If You Can or in my favorite, The Basketball Diaries.
Shutter Island and Inception. “Do I really need to described his acting strength in those films?”
Okay, so he wasn’t great in every film, ie. Django and The Beach, but all the greats have had their down times; not giving Leonardo DiCaprio an Academy Award before 2016 is like not giving Michael Jordan a Championship ring.
Dear Academy Awards Personnel,
Get it together.
Regards,
IanT. Sebàs
Bleeding Pen 