NBC Today Show’s Meredith Vieira Apologizes for Post Oscar Comments
March 10, 2010
NBC “Today Show” co-host, Meredith Vieira made comments during Monday’s post Academy Awards coverage that generated a substantial number of complaints. During a celebratory interview with the cast of the multi-award winning movie, The Hurt Locker, Vieira jokingly made reference to a past hug between actors Anthony Mackie and Jeremy Renner at the time the film was nominated.
VIEIRA: “You hugged him pretty tight, I must say, in the moment. There was a lot of man lovin’ goin’ on last night. Do I have reason to be worried?”
Anthony Mackie then offered a heartfelt response, completely disarming the idea that there may be a problem with two men embracing.
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Vieira has a long track record of supporting our community so the remarks did come as a surprise. GLAAD also heard from multiple constituents who were offended by what she said. That’s when we got on the phone with Vieira to voice concerns and ask her to address the issue. We had a very productive conversation and in the end we walked away knowing her heart is in the right place and she had no intention of causing harm for LGBT people.
She even sent along a statement of explanation and an apology which she asked GLAAD to distribute:
“During an interview with the cast of the hurt locker on Monday, I turned to actor Anthony Mackie and made a joke about “man hugging” in reference to a hug he and fellow actor Jeremy Renner had shared a few weeks earlier on our air. It was meant to be lighthearted, but some were offended by what they believed to be a homophobic comment. That was never my intent, but that doesn’t matter. Words are extremely powerful and should never be chosen lightly, even in a lighthearted moment. I apologize to any and all that I offended. My support of the gay and lesbian community is longstanding and well documented. It has not and will never waver.”
GLAAD thanks Meredith Vieira for listening to concerns, addressing this issue sincerely and for using this moment to educate the public on how words can hurt. We continue to value her as an ally and a friend.
Related Posts:Precious Opens in Limited Release Friday, November 6
November 4, 2009
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, the deeply affecting new film from openly gay director Lee Daniels and executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, opens in select theaters nationwide this Friday, November 6.
Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe (l.) and Paula Patton (r.) in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, Precious follows the life of Clareece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe), an overweight, illiterate teenager who is preganant for the second time by her abusive father. After being expelled, Precious begins attending “Each One, Teach One,” an alternative GED program, against the wishes of her physically and emotionally abusive mother, Mary, played masterfully by Mo’Nique. It is at this school that Precious is finally free to begin her life anew with the help of her classmates and Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), the lesbian teacher who becomes the loving mother figure Precious had always been lacking.
The three primary actresses all deliver powerful performances, but Paula Patton is particularly refreshing as Ms. Rain. Patton infuses Ms. Rain with warmth so crucial in a film with numerous wrenching scenes. The film is unquestionably hard to watch at times, but it is also very inspirational and even, at times, quite humorous.
As awards season approaches, Precious looks rightfully to be a strong contender to add to its list of accolades (in addition to Sundance, it also won the People’s Choice Award at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival) so be sure to catch it this weekend. This is one LGBT film that is not to be missed!
Related Posts:A Kiss Is Just A Kiss, Mr. Hannity…
February 26, 2009
The other night, Fox’s Sean Hannity had this to say about the Oscars:
“…they keep showing the scenes of men kissing. And I’m thinking do we have to expose our children to more and more sex, more and more violence, you know, more and more controversy?”
He continued:
“Listen, I’m just more sensitive. If it’s going to be a family event, you know, and you want to — you can’t watch a lot of programs now because of the adult content. We’re robbing these kids, Alicia, of their childhood. We’re over-sexualizing them at younger and younger ages.”
Though there were 14 straight kisses and just 3 gay kisses (all the same couple and all scenes from Milk, btw) aired during the Oscars, even kids know that a kiss is just a kiss.
Isn’t it time Sean Hannity figured that out too?
Full Transcript Below:
HANNITY: We continue now with our “Great American Panel.”
All right. The single most dull and boring and the self-righteous pat each other on the back, you know, actors and actresses. Here’s Sean Penn last night, the really big genius that he is. Here he is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEAN PENN, ACTOR: For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DIETL: All I can say is I wore my pink tie tonight in support of Mr. Penn. I don’t think so. This is not a political event. He’s a great actor. He’s got the Academy Award twice. But he’s sucking face with pineapple face and with Fidel. What reasons? You can’t be gay…
HANNITY: He’s talking about Hugo Chavez.
DIETL: Yes, you can’t be gay and live in Venezuela. You can’t be gay and live in Cuba. They have no human rights there, so Mr. Penn, why don’t you go over and tell them to give some human rights to people over there?
HANNITY: That’s a great point. Why doesn’t he do that?
MENENDEZ: He lives in America, he’s an American…
DIETL: He hates America. He hates America.
(CROSSTALK)
HANNITY: He hangs out with dictators. That’s Bo’s point.
MENENDEZ: That’s not what we’re talking about, though. We’re talking about the fact that, as I was driving in there who were — who were people flashing these messages of hate and…
HANNITY: Hang on one second. Hang on one second. Bo’s point is just the opposite. He’s hanging out with dictators where, if you’re gay, you’re going to be persecuted. And so he’s hypocritical.
DIETL: Right. Why are you sucking face with them for?
MENENDEZ: Right. To be honest, I do not know that that is what he’s doing, but in spite of that, I think the speech he made was eloquent and it was to the point.
HANNITY: All right, let me ask you.
EHRLICH: It’s all about politics, Sean. You know that. It’s all about politics.
MENENDEZ: It was a political film.
DIETL: Not too many votes, people who were viewing this.
EHRLICH: Sean’s point is, it’s just wildly inconsistent. He’s not consistent.
HANNITY: And let me ask — my wife said to me, and I wasn’t watching, because I was busy prepping for this show. But she said, you know, they keep showing the scenes of men kissing. And I’m thinking do we have to expose our children to more and more sex, more and more violence, you know, more and more controversy? Does that bother you at all?
EHRLICH: My kid’s asleep, but the point is, of course, it’s an agenda, and they don’t care. Look, these are adult subjects, but they’re not for my 9-year-old. This is not a discussion I need to have with my 9- year-old.
MENENDEZ: Do you get upset when you see heterosexual couples doing the same thing on TV?
DIETL: No, I don’t get upset when I see two people in love and kissing each other, but I get upset when a guy is sticking his tongue in another guy’s mouth. Maybe he wants that, but don’t bring that to my children at that age to show it’s an acceptable thing in daylight.
EHRLICH: And I agree. If it’s homosexual or heterosexual, I don’t want my 9-year-old…
DIETL: I’m not against lesbianics [SIC]. I’m not against gays.
HANNITY: What was that?
DIETL: Lesbianics [SIC]. I’m not against them, Sean. Whatever you want to suck on, that’s fine. But my point is — my point is, Sean, but don’t bring it in front of my children while they’re…
(CROSSTALK)
HANNITY: Listen, I’m just more sensitive. If it’s going to be a family event, you know, and you want to — you can’t watch a lot of programs now because of the adult content. We’re robbing these kids, Alicia, of their childhood. We’re over-sexualizing them at younger and younger ages. We’re teaching them how to put condoms on cucumbers and on bananas. And you know what? Why don’t we leave the kids alone a little bit? Have some consideration for them?
MENENDEZ: I have even bigger problems with the amount of violence we show on television.
(CROSSTALK)
HANNITY: Sex and violence.
MENENDEZ: If we’re talking about hypocrisy, then let’s talk about a different standard…
DIETL: Look at the movie that Woody Allen made. This one about Barcelona. He had two gals that went there. One was engaged to be married. The next thing, this guy Javay (ph) — he was up for the Academy Award. Javier. Javier. He’s there, he’s — taking this one, this one, that one. And this is the realm of people’s mind.
This woman was happily engaged. She made some — groping (ph) with him. Then all of the sudden the one that won the Academy Award, she’s in it. She’s jumping in. I mean, this is what Hollywood’s all about, showing people, don’t be true to your loved one. Bounce around.
And you want to know something? Kids get affected by this…
HANNITY: They do.
DIETL: … when they think no one can be sincere.
EHRLICH: And there’s a difference between cartoon violence, like it didn’t impact anybody, and real violence. I don’t want my 9-year-old seeing real adult violence either, and that’s the parents’ job. I’m just tired of Hollywood, their agenda. Unfortunately, the agenda are not fair (ph) today.
HANNITY: I don’t want lectures from Penn or Baldwin or any of these guys.
DIETL: He’s an actor. He’s a great actor.
MENENDEZ: It’s his moment. Let him have his moment.
HANNITY: He’s not that great of an actor. Denzel Washington is a great actor.
DIETL: He’s a friend of mine. I love him. He’s great.
HANNITY: Morgan Freeman is a great actor.
DIETL: He was with me on the — at the table for New Year’s Eve.
HANNITY: All right. We’ve got to run. Good to see you all. Thank you.
DIETL: Good man.
HANNITY: And coming up Obama says that he’s aiming to cut the deficit in half. Well, I guess that means that the tax cuts he promised for 95 percent of Americans are being left on the campaign trail, along with some of his other promises. Dick Morris next. He’ll break it all down, straight ahead.
Oh What a Night!
February 23, 2009
So many great moments took place tonight during the 81st Annual Academy Awards. Relive the night with a little rundown of the evening, provided by glaadBLOG.
First up was Penelope Cruz, winning Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of a woman involved with both a man and a woman in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Next came Best Original Screenplay, awarded to Dustin Lance Black for Milk. (Be sure to read his moving acceptance speech here.)
An hour and a half into the ceremony, we were treated to a hilarious spot featuring James Franco and Seth Rogan watching a series of films that came out in 2008. While they both thought The Reader and Doubt were uproariously funny, a tender scene from Milk (Sean Penn and James Franco himself sharing an intimate kiss) got the two guys misty-eyed, and James even put an arm around Seth to be closer to him. Too funny!
Finally, Sean Penn was awarded Best Actor, calling the Academy, “You Commie homo-loving sons of guns!” He went on to address the protesters outside the Kodak Theatre. “I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.”
Take THAT! (Read his entire speech here.)
Congratulations to everyone involved. Though Milk didn’t win all eight of the awards it was nominated for, we are still very happy that such great LGBT-inclusive projects were honored throughout the evening.
Fun fact: Tonight’s awards were produced by GLAAD Media Award honoree Bill Condon.
Sean Penn Wins the Big Prize
February 23, 2009
Though it seemed Mickey Rourke was a shoo-in for Best Actor, Sean Penn took home the Oscar for his portrayal of slain gay politician Harvey Milk. In his acceptance speech, we are delighted he pulled no political punches. We are proud to present the speech in its entirety.
You Commie homo-loving sons of guns! I did not expect this, but I — and I want to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me. Often. But I — I am touched by the appreciation and I hoped for it enough that I scribbled down — so I have the names in case you were Commie homo-loving suns of guns. And so I, I wanted you to thank my best friend Sato Masuzawa. My circle of longtime support, Mara, Brian, Barry and Bob. The great Cleve Jones. Our wonderful writer, Lance Black. Producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks. And particularly, as all us actors know, our director either has the patience, talent and restraint to grant us a voice, or they don’t, and it goes from the beginning of the meeting to through the cutting room, and there is no finer hands to be in than Gus Van Sant.
Finally, for those — two last finallys — For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.
And there are these last two things. I’m very, very proud to live in a country that’s willing to elect an elegant man President. And a country, who for all its toughness, creates courageous artists, and this is in great due respect to all the nominees. But courageous artists who, despite a sensitivity, that sometimes has brought enormous challenge. Mickey Rourke rises again, and he’s my brother. Thank you all very much.
GLAAD Applauds Oscar Wins for Milk, Vicky Cristina
February 23, 2009
GLAAD congratulates the creative teams and casts of Milk and Vicky Cristina Barcelona which received three Oscars at the 81st Annual Academy Awards. Milk was nominated in eight categories and received the Oscar for BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY for writer Dustin Lance Black, and PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE, to Sean Penn for his role as Harvey Milk. Vicky Cristina Barcelona was nominated and won for PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE, for star Penelope Cruz, who plays Maria Elena, a woman who has a relationship with Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) and Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem).
“GLAAD applauds those who have brought the important story of Milk to so many millions of people, and congratulates Dustin Lance Black and Sean Penn for their well-deserved Oscar wins,” said Neil G. Giuliano, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “They are to be commended for telling a story that has the power to inform future generations about the history of our community and our struggles for equality. Through Sean Penn’s own connection with the character, he was able to give audiences the opportunity to learn more about Harvey Milk’s lasting influence on our movement and our community.”
““The success of Milk has tremendous impact in creating awareness, understanding and acceptance during a time when our community continues to face opposition in our pursuit of equality,” added Giuliano. “The images of our community that these and other LGBT inclusive films bring to audiences around the country help people embrace the LGBT community with understanding and acceptance.” According to Harris Interactive’s recent Pulse of Equality survey commissioned by GLAAD, nearly 20 percent of Americans say their feelings toward gay and lesbian people have become more favorable over the past five years. Respondents whose views have become more favorable cited seeing gay or lesbian characters in movies (29%) as a contributing factor.
In openly gay writer Dustin Lance Black’s moving acceptance speech he called for LGBT equality: “If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours.” During Sean Penn’s acceptance speech he also called attention to LGBT equality. “I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone,” Penn said. Transcripts of both speeches are online at glaadBLOG.
Both Milk and Vicky Cristina Barcelona are nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, which honor media for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community. The 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 28, 2009 at the Marriott Marquis; in Los Angeles on April 18 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE; and in San Francisco on May 9 at the Hilton San Francisco.
Dustin Lance Black’s Moving Acceptance Speech
February 22, 2009
Milk’s screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, just gave the most incredible acceptance speech after being awarded Best Original Screenplay tonight at the Academy Awards. glaadBLOG is proud to present it here in its entirety.
Oh my God. This was, um. This was not an easy film to make. First off, I have to thank Cleve Jones and Anne Kronenberg and all the real-life people who shared their stories with me. And, um, Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and our entire cast, my producers, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, everyone at Groundswell and Focus, for taking on the challenge of telling this life-saving story. When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life, it gave me the hope to one day live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married.
(He chokes up, audience begins to applaud.)
I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours. (Wild applause from the audience.) Thank you, thank you, and thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk.
But why read when you can watch? Good as You has the video. (Thanks for posting!)
Also, Think Progress –
And here is Oscars.com exclusive “Thank You Cam” with Dustin Lance Black:
OSCAR WATCH: Who Supports Marriage Equality?
February 22, 2009
As promised, we’re on the hunt for who will be wearing white knots at the Academy Awards today, symbolizing their support of marriage equality. Emile Hirsch (of Milk fame) was the first to walk the carpet sporting the white knot, around 2:30 pm PST.
3:54 pm — Josh Brolin (also from Milk, nominated for his portrayal of Harvey Milk’s assassin, Dan White) has a white knot firmly pinned to his lapel.
3:56 pm — Gus Van Sant (Oscar-nominated director of Milk) is also spotted with a white knot.
4:09 pm — Milk’s nominated composer Danny Elfman is the first Milk man to be spotted without a white knot. Hmmm.
4:14 pm – Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) just arrived. Apparently, she promised to wear a white knot, and yet I see no knot in sight. Perhaps her ivory dress is one giant white knot?
4:17 pm – James Franco is in attendance. He won for his role in Milk last night at the Independent Spirit Awards, but I see no knot.
4:18 pm — Sean Penn just pulled up in his limo. No knot. Sigh.
4:21 pm — Got another look at Anne Hathaway. She’s clutching the hand of an older gentleman, who is proudly wearing a white knot! Annie, please accept our apologies for doubting your commitment to the community. If you aren’t going to wear the knot, we’re happy you made your date do so.
4:30 pm — E!’s Ryan Seacrest interviews white-knot-clad nominee Josh Brolin. He says, “I think Harvey Milk was an inspiration — a massive inspiration. Had he stayed alive, had he not been killed, I think a lot of people would have lived through the AIDS crisis, a lot more people than who died. You know, there’s not a lot of heroes anymore, and he was one of the great last heroes that we had in this country.”
4:44 pm — We were hoping that Brad Pitt would be wearing a knot to the Oscars, as he was one of the biggest supporters in the No on 8 campaign, but alas, the nominee is knotless tonight.
5:16 pm — Looks like the interviews are winding down, so we’ll sign off for now. Maybe a surprise presenter will come out with a white knot added to his or her outfit… One can hope! Marriage equality for all!
UPDATE, 6:02 pm: Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black proudly displayed his knot onscreen!
What to Watch: This Weekend
February 20, 2009
The choice is obvious for this weekend: you should be glued — GLUED, I say! — to your television on both Saturday and Sunday, to (hopefully!) witness the accolades Milk will receive at both the Independent Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards.
Of course, if awards shows aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other good stuff on…
FRIDAY
> Eleven Minutes, here! (1 hr, 30 min) NEW
Making its television debut, this documentary follows Project Runway designer Jay McCarroll after winning the first season.
> 8:00 PM Degrassi: The Next Generation, The N (30 min) NEW
Football star Riley makes a major confession to his friends. (Hint: It’s why the show is listed on TV Gayed this week.)
> 10:00 PM Real Time with Bill Maher, HBO (1 hr) SEASON PREMIERE
This no-holds barred news show is broadcast live, so you never know what to expect. Bill regularly discusses LGBT issues and features gay panelists and commentators, so check it out!
SATURDAY
> 5:00 PM Independent Spirit Awards, IFC (3 hrs) NEW
Celebrate the best in independent film with host Steve Coogan. Root for LGBT-inclusive noms like Synecdoche, New York (Best First Feature, Best Screenplay), Savage Grace (Best Screenplay) and Milk (Best First Screenplay). Sean Penn and James Franco are also nominated for their roles in Milk, so why fight it? WATCH IT. Airs at 2 pm PST, and at 10 pm EST/PST on AMC.
> 8:00 PM Ebony Chunky Love: Bitch Can’t Get a Date, Logo (1 hr) NEW
Sirius Out Q radio host Keith Price will dissolve you into laughter when he shares his life experience in being a “fresh, fierce and fabulous” black gay man.
> 9:00 PM Law & Order: SVU, NBC (1 hr) REPEAT
If you missed the first airing of this episode on Tuesday, check out “Transitions” tonight. Transgender representation abounds, with a special appearance by The L Word’s Daniela Sea.
> 9:00 PM Color Splash, HGTV (30 min) NEW
Gay interior designer David Bromstad reworks living spaces. . Tonight, he creates a cottage-inspired bedroom.
SUNDAY
> 8:00 PM The Amazing Race 14, CBS (1 hr) NEW
Ten teams are still competing to win the ultimate prize. One team is made up of gay activist Mel White and his bi son Mike White.
> 8:30 PM The 81st Annual Academy Awards, ABC (3 hrs) NEW
Have you made your predictions? Will it be Milk or will Slumdog take its place as Best Picture? And what about Sean Penn vs. Mickey Rourke? Who will win that battle? You’ve got to see it to believe it. Hugh Jackman hosts, so even if our faves don’t win, we’ll at least have something nice to look at for three hours. Airs at 5:30 pm PST.
> 9:00 PM Big Love, HBO (1 hr) NEW
Everyone has something to hide. Alby is married to several women and yet cruises for sex in men’s bathrooms, while Heather pines away for her best friend Sarah.
> 9:00 PM The L Word, Showtime (1 hr) NEW
Yet another reason to kill Jenny: She’s insisting on hosting Max’s baby shower, just days after calling him a “beautiful woman with curves.” Our question: why did Max agree to this disastrous idea?
> 10:00 PM The United States of Tara, Showtime (30 min) NEW
In this new comedy about a woman with multiple personalities, Marshall is her sweet, sensitive son who has a crush on a cute boy from class.
Danny Elfman Does a Movie Good
February 19, 2009
Composer Danny Elfman, the music man behind Milk, has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Elfman recently appeared on Los Angeles public radio station KCRW to talk about his experiences in composing for a film steeped in gay history.
Elfman joined Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley as part of Bentley’s “Music Behind the Movies” series. Here are a few choice snippets:
– On Van Sant: “Getting into any project with Gus means I’m going to go in a lot of different directions and mess around with a lot of different ideas. With another director, that can be very frustrating. Trying to hone in on ‘What do you want for this movie?’ With Gus it’s more of a process of fun experimentation.”
– On his creative process: “I don’t do research going into a movie. I think the least I know the better. I like to forget that I’ve even read the script, even though I do read the script because the more prepared I am in the beginning, the more it sends me down a specific direction which may not be the right direction…So I started with a real blank slate other than — don’t mess this up. Except I didn’t use the word mess, but we’re live on the air.”
To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.
Look for the White Ribbons on Sunday
February 19, 2009
There’s a new ribbon making the awards circuit. It’s a white knot, symbolizing support of same-sex marriage. All of the high-profile nominees have been sent ribbons by the WhiteKnot.org campaign, in the hopes that they will wear them at Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony.
According to Frank Voci, the man behind the campaign, Anne Hathaway has said she will wear a ribbon, along with some of the Milk nominees.
“They all get the poignant timing and the March 5 court date,” Voci told Daily Variety, referring to the day that the California Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on wether to overturn Proposition 8, which passed last November and bans same-sex nuptials in the state.
Voci founded WhiteKnot a week after Prop 8 passed, and estimates that his team has given out 20,000 – 30,000 ribbons.
Variety writes:
Obviously, the idea is to get at least one or two names to wear one at an award show, and the trend snowballs. That’s what happened back in 1991, when the group Visual AIDS handed out the inverted V red ribbons for stars to wear at that year’s Tony awards, symbolizing awareness of AIDS at a time when the disease still carried a heavy stigma. The trend quickly spread to the Emmys, Grammys and Oscars, to the point where they became ubiquitous not just at ceremonies, but even at non televised events or even average Joes on the street.
While the white ribbons also are a means of polite protest, they also evoke a bitter, polarizing electoral battle, the subject of continued demonstrations and threats of boycotts. While Proposition 8 supporters in entertainment were few and far between, they do exist. Ironically enough, at the Grammy party, photographers snapped a picture of [Dave] Grohl, ribbon on his lapel, chatting up Pat Boone, a vocal supporter of Prop 8.
We’ll have our eyes peeled for who is wearing the white knot on Sunday, with full dish Monday morning. Come back and read all about it!
Get Red-Carpet Ready with Nick Verreos!
February 18, 2009
If you’re anything like us, you’re clamoring for any excuse to celebrate the Oscars early. Well why not count down the days (only four to go!) with a daily web series called “Behind the Dress,” hosted by Project Runway’s Nick Verreos?
GLAAD Congratulates Milk & Vicky Cristina Barcelona on their Oscar Nominations
January 22, 2009
Today, GLAAD congratulated the creative teams and casts ofMilk and Vicky Cristina Barcelona which received a combined 9 Oscar nominations during today’s announcement of nominees for the 81st Annual Academy Awards.
Below is a statement by GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano:
GLAAD is thrilled with the nominations received by films that tell inclusive stories of our community. The success of Milk is an important reminder to Hollywood that audiences are hungry for films that tell authentic and compelling stories about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Milk has connected with gay and straight audiences alike and created national discussion at a time when our community continues to face opposition in our pursuit of equality.
What people see in the media shapes how they view LGBT people, and inclusive images like these help people embrace their family members, friends and neighbors with understanding and acceptance.
Milk is among the leading Oscar nominees in major categories with 8 nominations:
- BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
- PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – Sean Penn
- PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – Josh Brolin
- ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – Gus Van Sant
- BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – Dustin Lance Black
- ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN – Danny Glicker
- ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING – Elliot Graham
- BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – Danny Elfman
More from Giuliano:
What writer Dustin Lance Black and director Gus Van Sant have remarkably done is tell a story that celebrates the man, the era and the greater LGBT movement. Their work on Milk has the power to inform new generations of the history of our community and our struggles for equality.
Today’s Best Actor nomination for Sean Penn is so richly deserved. His groundbreaking performance gave audiences the opportunity to get to know Harvey Milk’s conviction, passion and the indelible influence he had on our movement and our community.
Today’s Public Are Thirsty for MILK
December 17, 2008
In a story published for the Los Angeles Times “Envelope” section today, freelance writer Lisa Rosen made some interesting comparisons between the hopeful language used by Harvey Milk — as seen on the big screen in Milk — and President-elect Barack Obama during each man’s campaign for office.
Milk was released just weeks after Proposition 8 passed in California. In the film, Harvey Milk campaigns hard against Proposition 6, another anti-gay bill, but uses his magnetic and positive force to unite the community in ways they never had before. Rosen writes:
The timing seemed perhaps a little too fortuitous, according to executive producer Michael London. The filmmakers hadn’t noticed the parallels in the script, but watching the film for the first time, “it just jumped out at everyone,” he says. ” ‘Oh, my God, he’s got the same language as Obama.’ ” The story was so resonant that it almost felt uncomfortable, “as if we must have been trying to make a conscious connection,” he adds. Uneasy with the idea of releasing the film during the presidential campaign, they settled on a post-election opening date.
London continues, “I think a lot of people are hungry for the kind of change that Harvey Milk represented in 1978.”
Learn more about the Oscar-worthy films that are relevant to modern audiences by reading the full story.
