In one of the most controversial decisions in recent years, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced Oprah Winfrey will be the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is an honorary Oscar given to a person in the industry whose humanitarian and charitable acts bring honor to the industry. While past recipients include Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and more titans of Hollywood history, some are a bit confused over Oprah's selection.
I have to agree.
What Oprah has done in her life undeniably makes her one of the most amazing, charitable human beings to walk the planet, but the Academy is drawing criticism for giving her an award with more of an eye towards having her appear on the Oscar telecast next February (the award is given to the recipient on November 12 during a special ceremony, but the winner also is recognized during the Oscars). Is the Academy trying to get ratings instead of honoring someone who has dedicated his or her life to the movie business?
In reality, Oprah is a TV personality and titan. No one can deny that. Sure, she has acted in and produced some major movies over the years, and her annual Oscar special is one of the highlights of the Oscar season, but she is not identified with Hollywood in the way others like Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts or Robert De Niro would be. Does she even broadcast movies on the OWN network?
I guess you can say the biggest reason why she shouldn't get the award is the hesitation you feel when you hear she has been honored, but need to process it in your head, instead of instantly recognizing it is a good choice.
Should she receive a similar Emmy? Yes.
Should she get some special medal from the President? Yes.
Should she get an honorary Oscar? That's a bit of a stretch.
Instead of giving her an honorary Oscar, I'd rather see the Academy make an effort to have Oprah host the Oscars telecast. THAT would get the ratings they are seeking.
In reality, Oprah is a TV personality and titan. No one can deny that. Sure, she has acted in and produced some major movies over the years, and her annual Oscar special is one of the highlights of the Oscar season, but she is not identified with Hollywood in the way others like Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts or Robert De Niro would be. Does she even broadcast movies on the OWN network?
I guess you can say the biggest reason why she shouldn't get the award is the hesitation you feel when you hear she has been honored, but need to process it in your head, instead of instantly recognizing it is a good choice.
Should she receive a similar Emmy? Yes.
Should she get some special medal from the President? Yes.
Should she get an honorary Oscar? That's a bit of a stretch.
Instead of giving her an honorary Oscar, I'd rather see the Academy make an effort to have Oprah host the Oscars telecast. THAT would get the ratings they are seeking.
