Well, Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman won Oscars. Tomorrow, we’ll hear that racism is dead. The announcement will be made tomorrow that racism is dead. Santa Claus will make the announcement, and he will be backed up by Cuba Gooding, Jr., who will surely let it be known that he’s been talking about the death of racism for the last eight years.
After all, how else would he have been able to make love to his white wife every night?
Either way, there are congrats to be issued to those cats. I can only really say that about Jamie because I saw “Ray,” a movie in which the only good thing in it was his ability to channel Ray Charles. Otherwise, you can keep that. I’m also writing this before I see who gets Best Picture, but there’s no way in hell “Ray” could win that. If it wins, the Oscars are totally ridiculous and Jamie’s Best Actor trophy is instantly discredited. If there isn’t one movie better than “Ray,” then there isn’t one rapper better than Vanilla Ice.
Yeah, I said it.
But the best part about him winning is that it makes the following hypothetical more interesting…
When the nominations came out, they instantly became catalysts for those looking to say that 2004 was a great year for black actors. Had those two not won, would that still be the case? Would that be the case had they not been nominated?
Awards are cool, but I ain’t about to define anything by them. The Oscars were industry bullshit, are industry bullshit, and will continue to be industry bullshit. Sometimes they get it right, but recognize them for what they are.
So congratulations, Mr. Foxx. Your honor was deserved. And your performance would have been just as strong without the Man’s statue.
Or an Image Award either.
Or the inevitable cover to Jet.
Or the already-drawn-up offer to star in “Snow Dogs 2: Pimpin’ Bitches in the Snow.”
Or the role opposite Halle Berry in “Catwoman 2” (great line, Chris Rock).
Matter of fact, what black person not named Denzel has continued to get good work after an Oscar? It’s like the super Lifetime Achievement Award, even if you’re only 35. The way this goes, buddy’ll be hawking autographs at baseball card shows before you know it.
But really, congratulations. No matter why, it’s wonderful to see great work get honored. I just hope the brother’s got someone tightening up his resume.
February 27, 2005
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