Entertainment Weekly ALSO did an “anonymous Oscar ballot” thing and I have to say, keep them coming. The more we expose what goes into how Academy voters vote, the more we, as a society, can say that Academy voters are terrible people. Like, there is no mystery about it – these are mostly old men being terrible and voting for people and films based on the flimsiest rationales ever. This EW piece is something else though – there is an anonymous voter included in this piece who sucks so hard, I’m making him a blind item. I need to know this bigot’s identity. We need to name and shame him. EW describes the man as an actor and “his performances in critically heralded prestige dramas, biting mainstream thrillers, and on Emmy-winning TV shows have earned this actor consistent acclaim throughout his career.” If it is Alec Baldwin, I swear to God. Please read some of the absolute horsesh-t he was saying as he filled out his ballot:
He stopped watching the Oscars before he became an Academy member: “I’d sort of stopped watching them. I was so disgusted by the whole thing, and then I got into the Academy, and now I’m forced to — so, be careful what you wish for. The whole Hollywood back-slapping, ‘get a big stinkin’ load of me,’ it’s not a newsflash, it just seems to get worse and worse. I think the Academy is making an effort to please everybody, and it’s reflective of the state of the world, but I feel like they’re being held hostage — somewhat unfairly — by the wokeness.”
He thinks it’s fine that the Academy didn’t nominate Viola Davis or Danielle Deadwyler: “When they get in trouble for not giving Viola Davis an award, it’s like, no, sweetheart, you didn’t deserve it. We voted, and we voted for the five we thought were best. It’s not fair for you to start suddenly beating a frying pan and say [they’re] ignoring Black people. They’re really not, they’re making an effort. Maybe there was a time 10 years ago when they were, but they have, of all the high-profile things, been in the forefront of wanting to be inclusive. Viola Davis and the lady director need to sit down, shut up, and relax. You didn’t get a nomination — a lot of movies don’t get nominations. Viola, you have one or two Oscars, you’re doing fine.”
He was too stupid to understand Tar: “They have their favorites, they have their pets, and if Cate Blanchett opens a door, she gets an Academy Award nomination. I feel like they bought [TÁR] hook, line, and sinker. It seemed way too long, it seemed really ham-fisted, I got very confused about, like, when she went to her assistant’s house and it was this run-down slum, like, what? What are we doing? Where are we? What’s happening? I didn’t think it was good storytelling, and with a central performance that’s inauthentic, it felt so much longer. I really struggled to get through that thing.
He hated ‘The Whale’: “[The Whale] is so pandering for an Oscar. I think he’s a very talented guy, but I didn’t buy a second of that movie. I’d seen the play, so I knew what I was in for, and somehow turning it into a movie just made the artifice look so magnified…. cheeseball from the get-go, and I didn’t even think the makeup was that good.
Again with the wokeness: “I don’t believe that thing of you have to be a murderer to play a murderer — I know it’s all the rage. You can’t play a gay guy unless you’re a gay guy — it’s so out of control with the wokeness. I’m a fervent liberal, but wokeness, I think we all agree, has taken over. I thought he was fine casting, I just wish the movie had been better.
He has a real hate-on for Cate Blanchett: “I said a little prayer during TÁR that I would never have to watch Cate Blanchett act again. I thought, this has got to be the end of this, this can’t go on. I think she’s a talented woman, but she’s so technical, she’s ice cold, and I always see her acting. The person I wanted to be in there was Judy Davis in Nitram. Astonishing. You’ve got Cate Blanchett and Judy Davis, both from Australia, and they couldn’t be more different. Cate is working it like crazy, like, get a big stinking load of me, and Judy Davis is just doing the work and knocking it out of the park every single time. I feel like Cate just wants us all to fall in love with her and be a movie star, and I’m not on board.
Jesus H.: “I thought [Ana de Armas] was really good, and there were moments in that movie where I believed she was Marilyn Monroe. She captured it so fantastically, I just hated that movie so much that I couldn’t revisit it. She was tortured and raped and victimized in every single scene. She couldn’t walk through a door without somebody raping her. [Laughs]
On Andrea Riseborough’s nomination & shutting out Davis & Deadwyler: “I feel like anything goes, all’s fair in love and war. I thought [Riseborough] gave a great performance. It was very much “for your consideration” — like, what’s going to win me an Oscar? It had all the check-boxes through it, and it seemed to be pandering a bit, so that bugged me. The ending was terrible. Good for them, they went about it and got her a nomination. I’m sure other people were doing equally political maneuverings behind the scenes, they just didn’t get caught. If it hadn’t been for Viola Davis being mad she wasn’t nominated, I don’t think anybody would’ve questioned it…. it’s ridiculous, it’s sour grapes. The Academy has bent over backwards to be inclusive. Last year, there were more Black people presenting. It’s like, come on.
HE DIDN’T EVEN WATCH THE WOMAN KING: I think Viola Davis is talented, I didn’t see Woman King, but I’m a little tired of Viola Davis and her snotty crying. I’m over all of that. I’m willing to believe that Andrea Riseborough gave a better performance. [Danielle Deadwyler] was so pandering [in Till] for an Academy Award nomination. She was good. I mean, who wouldn’t be good in a part like that? The strong, wronged mother. But you look at the real Mamie Till, she’s not wearing all of these incredible gowns and beautifully made-up. I thought it was a confusing message. If they’d really [made a movie about] that woman, who was not used to being in the public eye and wore house dresses, she [wouldn’t have] had one incredible outfit after another. The ego behind this pushing her to be a movie star was too blatant for me.
Do you see what I mean? Please, someone do some digging and find the identity of this utter douchebag. He is contemptible. I’ve already seen some suggestions that this could be Brian Cox? No, I doubt it? Brian Cox can be rude and “politically incorrect,” but I don’t see Cox saying all of this racist sh-t about Viola Davis and The Woman King, nor do I see him laughing when talking about the rape scenes in Blonde. “The Academy has bent over backwards to be inclusive. Last year, there were more Black people presenting. It’s like, come on.” For the love of God. And dismissively referring to Viola as “sweetheart” and calling Gina Prince-Bythewood “the lady director” – utter POS.
are you normal or have you spent the entire morning trying to figure out who the piece of shit anonymous actor is in this ew oscar ballot with your coworkers?? https://t.co/kZlfmjqfa0
— saloni gajjar (@saloni_g) March 10, 2023
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, promotional images courtesy of ‘The Woman King’ and ‘To Leslie’.
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- Viola Davis attends the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California,Image: 749945413, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Pictured: Viola Davis, Credit line: – / JPI Studios / Avalon
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- PASADENA, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA – FEBRUARY 25: Viola Davis wearing custom Christian Dior and DeBeers jewelry and carrying Rodo arrives at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California, United States.,Image: 758779812, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Pictured: Viola Davis, Credit line: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Avalon
It’s all of them. He speaks for them all.
💯
That’s my take. I’m picturing Alec Baldwin rage-ranting these sentiments but it doesn’t really matter who. It’s a collective voice of bitter old white men and a handful of truly awful pick-me women.
THIS ☝️
I think Alec is more articulate than this; this guy’s a real dummy but has been allowed to think he’s some kind of genius due to the movies he’s been in. I think it’s someone older than Alec, too.
I don’t think it’s Alec either- I listen to his podcast and he goes out of his way to sound as articulate and genteel as possible. The guy has a chip on his shoulder about being from Long Island and he tries to outrun it. The “get a big stinkin load of me” stuff” – it’s too working class for him.
Prolly Rob Reiner: “get a big stinkin load of me.” Sounds “Meathead” and no class to me.
No, Rob Reiner’s respectful of women and a smart, nuanced person. This Oscar voter doesn’t sound anywhere near as intelligent as Reiner
This sounds like Jack Nicholson to me
Jack hasn’t done TV since the 60s.
They are all like this…but “if Cate Blanchett opens a door she wins an academy ” had me LOL
I remember them saying the same exact thing about Merryl Streep.
Kind of agree with ThatsNotOkay: it sounds a *lot* like a lot of the white male voters “of a certain age”. It also sounds a LOT like Baldwin.
It really does sound like Baldwin, and he’s done at least one movie with Judy Davis (with Woody Allen, ugh). Baldwin is exactly the kind of guy who would both describe himself as a “fervent liberal” but then refer to Gina Prince- Blythwood as the “lady director” or call Viola Davis “sweetheart”. It’s almost a parody it’s so bad.
@ Jay – you’ve also just described my father, but fortunately he’s not in the industry.
Alec was also in “Blue Jasmine” with Cate Blanchett. She won the Best Actress Oscar for that role. I can totally see him being bitter about that.
Alec has been a member of Academy for almost 20 years, tho. This guy sounds like he just got in.
“Prestige Drama” is code for British.
No, prestige drama is Mad Men, The Boardwalk, Westworld, House of Dragons, Succession etc etc. Those dark shows where you struggle to see anyone’s perspective other than “man in power making decisions and no one understands the internal feelings he refuses to show”. The guy’s American.
SAS that was priceless… “ “man in power making decisions and no one understands the internal feelings he refuses to show” Lol
I think prestige drama here is referring to films since they follow it by also listing “Emmy award winning tv shows.” I think he’s been in acclaimed films and television.
I might have agreed with you Sas but for the rest of the sentence;
“his performances in critically heralded prestige dramas, biting mainstream thrillers, and on Emmy-winning TV shows”
I think here dramas specifically refer to films, since they take pains to refer separately to TV shows.
He’s older than Alec. “‘get a big stinkin’ load of me,’” is a boomer phrase. I’m guessing 75 or older.
Interesting. My first thought was that it was someone from the UK or Ireland.
I could see this being Liam Neeson.
Alex Baldwin IS a boomer.
I was picturing Jeremy Irons
The actor says “as an American” when discussing Banshee of Inisherin and then mentions American soap and cereal (Irish Spring, Lucky Charms).
thank god its not Colin Farrell.
Kevin Costner.
Nah. I don’t think it’s Alec Baldwin either, he has enough on his plate . Ain’t nobody asking him anything.
Lol this cracked me up. Imagine being the person who calls Alec Baldwin right now for his snarky awards show takes.
This doesn’t sound like him at all-not his “tone.” And I certainly don’t think he’d describe himself as “liberal.”
Alec Baldwin constantly describes himself as a liberal.
Kevin Costner (gross, I’ve disliked him for decades) has been in the Academy for decades, for sure, with Dances With Wolves. This guy hasn’t been in the academy that long, from what the first part of the recap says.
As much of an egotistical tool KC is, I don’t think it’s him.
Kevin is a independent moderate so this isn’t him. The guy from this article describes himself as super liberal, something Kevin wouldn’t do.
Russell Crow? He’s the right age and reeks of arrogance.
I’ve never heard anything like this about Kevin Costner? Politically I believe he’s moderate. He’s had good relationships over his life with poc. And does he hate women? This person does. He’s also articulate and this person isn’t. This man is lazy ass pos. And stupid, and KC ain’t stupid.
I could absolutely see this being Brad Pitt except for TV? Not sure about that. He’d call himself liberal and say this shit because he’s very dumb.
That “lady director” 🤬🤬🤬. The sad thing is, I think there’s a lot of actors who would refer to themselves as a “fervent liberal” and then say this kind of racist and sexist BS.
The mention of two Australian actresses had me thinking it was Russell Crowe initially, but he’s never done emmy- winning tv. So I’m stumped.
What made me laugh is I think the voter admits that he hasn’t seen either the Woman King or To Leslie, the much hyped Andrea Riseborough vehicle. He says “I’m willing to believe that Andrea Riseborough gave a better performance.”
I don’t think it is Russell Crowe, but he absolutely has done TV. He played Roger Ailes in a Showtime miniseries. I would not be surprised if this was Alec Baldwin.
He’s critiquing and voting on performances he admits he hasn’t seen! Yeah, it could be any entitled white male. I know he’s not in films, but I was getting Bill Maher vibes throughout. It’s not him but does sound scarily similar. And Baldwin totally tracks better than anyone.
Yeah, he hasn’t seen the performances he’s denigrating,, but he is certain the white performers did a better job than snot-nosed Viola. Ah, ok.
I saw red at that “snotty crying” comment. Fuck right off.
Not to mention that “beating a frying pan“ crap.
The Viola Davis comment is not shocking to me. I know a lot of white Hollywood will never like her after she criticized The Help and pushed for diversity. They don’t actually like her but are forced to respect her.
Also looks like they are tiring of Cate Blanchett as well. I’m starting to find her a bit overrated myself.
I’ve been tired of Blanchett for a while. She’s definitely a good actress, but her I find her quire pretentious and smug and it’s starting to show in her work. Every time I see her, it looks to me like she’s thinking in her head: I’M Kate Blanchett!
I’m A-OK never seeing the following actresses being nominated for another Oscar award again…ever:
Meryl Streep
Cate Blanchette
Michelle Williams
Jennifer Lawrence
Kate Winslet
Judi Dench
If it wasn’t for the claim of being a “fervent liberal” I’d say James Woods or Jon Voight. But like ThatsNotOkay – it could literally be anyone!
That part I think is an ENTIRE lie. If you’re going to shoot your mouth off like that, I think you’re going to do your best to make it hard for people to figure out who you are.
He says that they only ever vote for the best performances, so Viola shouldn’t complain but then right away admits Cate Blanchett always gets in because they have their favorites
My first guesses at narrowing it down would be actors who frequently appear on Bill Maher’s show and/or endorsed Rick Caruso in last year’s LA mayoral election. Also, he wouldn’t have to be a previous Oscar winner or nominee to be an Academy member, but having that credential automatically gets you invited to be a member.
I also think he’s definitely Gen X, because Boomers or older would be bitching about “political correctness” instead of “wokeness.”
Also, LMAO at the idea of Brian Cox ever doing one of these anonymous ballot things. When that man talks shit, he wants everyone to know it’s coming from him!
Definitely agree @Jessica that it’s a Gen X given references to wokeness, self-identification as a liberal, etc.. So can’t be Brian Cox or that generation. Definitely someone in their 40s-50s-early 60s — Brad Pitt, Alec Baldwin, Mark Wahlberg…
Woke as a pejorative has taken over PC even among Boomers, so I wouldn’t necessarily count out older people. And don’t forget, there are Boomers in their 50s still, they’re not all geriatric lol. I could absolutely see certain white actors in their late 50s to late 60s (known to like much younger women) who would say this kind of sh**.
Absolutely disagree about wokeness not being boomer. I’m Gen X. My very boomer father yells about wokeness all the time. He tried to bait me, but I’ve learned to just keep playing Candy crush when he starts.
All his cronies spew wokeness distain
Only going by the actor’s career description, I could guess James Spader, Dominic West, or John Turturro. I have no idea what their politics are, though, so I’m sure there are better guesses out there.
Nah, I think Spader’s way too chill. Don’t know about the others.
They say they are American, so that eliminate West. Turturro has work with way too many non white people to keep this bottled up, at least for me. Spader has been on 1 successful tv show for close to 10 years and by all accounts is liked.
Alec is a no for me. He worked with Cate on the film that got her Best Actress and has spoken highly of her after the fact.
My money on Rob Lowe. He is that awful.
I’m not all that familiar with his filmography has he been in “biting mainstream thrillers?”
It’s possible to publically say supportive things about your co-star, especially someone as universally acclaimed as Cate Blanchett, and still secretly resent her, or resent the recognition she has gotten while you, in your own mind a much more deserving actor, are stuck doing boss baby sequels.
We can’t know for sure, but I could absolutely see Baldwin relishing the chance to anonymously gripe about his former co-star, no matter how much he might have talked her up during her Oscar campaign. Remember, her being nominated elevated him as well.
Ew yes maybe Rob Lowe…he has been disliked on many sets.
Rob Lowe is a good guess! Agreed he is at least this awful.
Rob Lowe is not Liberal
Definitely NOT Rob Lowe. He is loudly not a liberal. He hangs with Clarence Thomas.
Rob Lowe, nope.
I can see it being an older boomer, as I am on the end of the boomer generation and we don’t talk like this. This white guy is older as well as a racist, ignorant and an enormous ass but I highly doubly he is liberal. He is making that case to throw the scent off of him. He’s certainly a Repugnant, with his mention of so many African Americans presenters last year. As if that makes up for POC in Hollywood. 🙄🙄
Rob Lowe hangs out with Clarence Thomas? JFC
This guy hates women, that much is clear.
I really doubt proud liberal Alec Baldwin is using the term “wokeness” as a derogative. He also worked with Cate Blanchett on her last winning performance.
ETA: I just saw that this guy calls himself a fervent liberal 🙄 Jesus Christ how can someone speak like this about women and people of color and think they are liberal.
“This guy hates women, that much is clear.“
Hates, capital H, women. Disgusting and terrifying. Of course the only movie he liked was torture porn JFC.
Yeah he’s a woman HATER. I can’t wait to find out who this delight is!
Charlie Sheen? Although I can’t match him with a “prestige drama”, since I have no clue what that means.
@Christine- I know I’m SUPER late to this party, but I think you’re right, it’s Charlie Sheen. He was on Two and a Half Men, which won Emmys, and back in the 80s, he DID do prestige drama. He was in Platoon, The Outsiders, and wasn’t he in Wall Street??
Plus he’s in his 50s, and I think many in his generation, who came of age in the 80s, view themselves as liberal because they’re pro-choice, pro gay marriage, lassez faire about drugs, etc etc. Despite all that, this generation often has a HUGE blind spot when it comes to all forms of racism, as well as trans rights. I can ABSOLUTELY see Charlie Sheen describe himself as a liberal and then immediately frown on BLM, or complain about having to refer to a trans individual as the gender they identify with. Plus, this individual just has a kind of cocky, obnoxious, arrogant, almost vulgar way of speaking, that sounds a LOT like Sheen’s “Tiger Blood” tour (is that what it was called? It was Tiger something…) PLUS I can TOTALLY see gross sex addict Charlie Sheen drooling all over the place about Ana de Armas, and laughing about the rape scenes.
Totally agree Sheen is a good guess. There’s no way Alec Baldwin would sprinkle so many “.., like,…” into his sentences, so it has to be someone with more of a surfer dude speech pattern
No, it’s not Charlie Sheen. He’s fallen waaaayyyyy off the Hollywood radar, no one is asking him anything or cares what he thinks. He’s another one I think has his hands full living his messiest life. Not him, he doesn’t even work anymore.
That’s exactly why I think it is Charlie Sheen! Is there any part of this diatribe that screams “working actor”?
His last hit was a livestream where he said “winning”, over and over again.
Who’s ever said that the people doing these anonymous Oscar ballots are popular and currently working?? All we’ve been told is that theyre current members of the Academy, and not being popular (or not being on people’s “radar”) is kind of irrelevant seeing as how these are anonymous, and not getting work absolutely does NOT exclude one from being a member. Not to mention, we also have NO idea how the members who do the anonymous ballots are chosen. Charlie Sheen has been around a looong time and his gross misogyny and messy lifestyle hardly makes him unique in Hollywood, and I’d bet he has plenty of powerful friends who have no problem with his lifestyle whatsoever and would absolutely ask him to do this anonymous ballot thing because they think his vulgarity is funny.
Alec Baldwin has 18 kids and a murder charge to deal with. I dont know if he has time to sit down and be scathing to movies. Just a thought.
I wonder if this is someone who we havent heard from in a long time, like Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Douglas, Clint Eastwood, or Robert DeNiro.
Those four, I would have no idea their views in life, but they would all be respected by the Academy, I’m sure.
Clint Eastwood wouldn’t call himself a liberal though. I was like “who are the Trumpers in the academy?!” until I read that.
I was thinking the same thing about Alec Baldwin.. I think he seems mentally unwell at the moment, I kind if really doubt he would give an interview like this at this point in time.
Someone earlier said Kevin Costner and that sounds more likely to me.
@Shellybean what has Costner said/done?
Hmmmm. Baldwin would def call himself a fervent liberal, and it would surprise you what people can find time for, especially when they’re in a panic sort of reaction. Also-I wonder if sitting down and giving the interview at all could be a pay-for-play… as in, I’ll do this if you give me positive coverage on the absolute s**tshow I’ve created.
Agree @bumble. I don’t know if it’s Alec Baldwin or not, but he definitely comes across as someone who would bloviate about anything regardless of what’s going on in his life.
I don’t think it’s DeNiro. While having two Black wives and Black children doesn’t exclude him from being racist I think he’s got sense enough to know the language was racist and knows better than to use, anonymous or not.
Does anyone know how he normally talks about women?
I was thinking Michael Douglas, as well.
Another vote here for Michael Douglas…
Edward Norton. Legendary douche & this smacks of him. As my brother says who worked w him, look at the roles he plays. Never too far from who he truly is
Michael Douglas sounds right.
I absolutely co-sign Edward Norton, checks all the boxes
Hmm, Norton has done several movies—The 25th Hour, Motherless Brooklyn—where his love interest was African-American. And a racist would not have done American History X. This sounds way too aged and stuffy for him.
I had a stressful day so my husband and I look for an 80’s movie to pick apart. We pick Black Rain. I didn’t get through the movie because of stressful phone calls. Whose voice do I hear when I read this article? Michael Douglas! I think it is Michael Douglas.
I said that I thought it was James Woods because he uses smarmy language like that and I can see someone lying that they’re “liberal” to throw people off from figuring it out. I think you could be right about Ed Norton, a famously arrogant d-bag who thinks he knows EVERYTHING. He is a nepo baby also ( not show biz, but a rich family) and has always come in hot with his arrogance, he’s another one who’s mouth/ behavior has made him hard to hire.
Unfortunately, Michael Douglas is PART OF that glad-handing, back-slapping Hollywood system. But he does think he is a liberal.
Clint Eastwood is not a liberal.
Tommy Lee Jones and Robert De Niro are both liberal.
So is Michael Douglas, but he has an arrogant side.
As a black woman, I agree with him, I’m tired of Viola Davis too. It’s amazing when black actors/actress fight for equality and representation but it always ends up as when one of them sets their foot in the door, then it’s only them we see – can’t you recommend another black actress or something.
Woman King was boring and her acting is a bit 1D at times, but alas no one can be amazing all the time. She can’t win all the time and it really does not help to give an award to a black person, just because they are in the mix – it looks like pandering and it does us a disservice. (I understand that White People get this btw – but that’s another argument for another day)
It starts to feel a little tokenistic, I’m tired of seeing VD too. It’s almost like we can only have 1, whereas other races get a whole assortment to pick from.
I don’t know if I’m making sense, but I don’t think his comments read as racist. I think sometimes when allies see the racism in everything on our behalf it doesn’t help, people do become desensitised. She has already won awards, can we shift the focus and ask for a variety of black faces and as black entertainers can we start holding the door open for others, not closing it once we get in
People who start off anti black diatribes on the internet with “as a black woman” are never really black. Kindly Dolezal your way back to Tucker Carlson’s White Power Hour over on Fox News.
@Haylie are we still doing “comment of the week?” Because IMO this is it:
“Kindly Dolezal your way back to Tucker Carlson’s White Power Hour over on Fox News.”
☠️☠️
Haylie, that’s the best comment I’ve read in a long time.
Awesome.
Who are you to question who is black or not?
Keep that same energy when Meryl Streep gets another nomination. And if you are tired of only one black actor/actress being the “chosen one”, then guess who you can take that complaint to.
If I had to guess I would say it’s hard to get movie funding without a big name attached to the movie and Viola Davis is a big name. Obviously there are other talented black actors and actresses but I’m sure studios go with Viola because of recognition. I would guess Viola is not being greedy with roles but rather studios won’t roll the dice on anyone else or fund lesser known people. You mentioned other races get to pick, but I don’t see that. Indians have Dev Patel in every Oscar bait movie, Asians have Michelle Yeoh, and honestly it’s hard to think of others who get roles consistently.
This explanation makes so much sense, and yes you’re right I’m making assumptions that she’s hogging all the roles like I know her personally which is wrong.
I guess it would be nice for the studios and directors etc to just give us a variety of black and as you rightly mentioned, Asian, SE.Asian and other ethnic races too.
“other ethnic races” omg dude.
the whole thing was massively racist. why are you defending this bs?
Disagree. His comments absolutely read as racist.
I’m Black, I didn’t think the movie deserved a nomination or the performance. I also thought that Selma was basically a good TV movie. That being said, while I might agree with the opinions of their face, this person comes off as a smug , patronizing jerk, who’s so free with his mouth because he’s under the cover of anonymity . He’s still a distasteful jerk. It sounds like James Woods. He talks like that. If it’s not him, it’s someone who’s a 40/50- something.
THANK YOU!!!
This!!!
I agree he’s most likely a jerk and not very nice, but the movie truly wasn’t that great
Really? This surprises me because my husband randomly watched it by himself one night when I was out and he said it was excellent, said Viola was a such a bad ass in it. I have yet to watch it and neither of us actually sit down and watch movies together anymore, I can’t tell you when the last time I watched a new movie was but I wasn’t surprised by his assessment since it had gotten a lot of buzz.
The jerk is referring to himself as liberal something James Woods wouldn’t do cause he’s a conservative. An idiot Trumper to be exact.
For F@#k sake he played Rudy Giuliani in some badly made tv movie.
And he was let go by his talent agency last year. I don’t know why they would bother to interview a hasbeen who hasn’t been in anything worthwhile. The dumbass from the article says that he’s only recently got into Oscar voting. James Woods was far longer in the business. And has been nominated before. You’d think he would be given the right to vote in the Oscars years before.
@Erin, watch the movie. You get to decide what you think about it.
You are not a Black woman and you are not fooling anyone.
That comment screams smug white dude who’s never spoken to a black person peer to peer in his life. As a black woman. My ass. As a white man, I say that dude is full of shit. (I’m not a white man).
Who are you talking to? You are not the arbiter of blackness and we get to have differing g opinions. I love Viola Davis but this didn’t do it for me. We don’t have to do group think. Grow up.
Michael Douglas! Men his age tend to reference woke for any new age thinking and use it as an insult. Definitely not how Gen Xers use or interpret the word. Him and his wife are also royalist douchebags
JFC, on top of everything offensive that he said, this dude sounds like he’s dumber than a bag of hair.
Word.
Prestige drama? Is baldwin known for prestige dramas? I know early in his career he was in more dramas but prestige reads to me as big historical dramas or English movies and I don’t see that fitting with Baldwin.
It’s frustrating that he acknowledges that Blanchett gets nominated just because she’s Cate Blanchett it seems, but then says that viola Davis just didn’t get nominated bc her performance (that he didn’t see) wasn’t good enough. So it’s like he’s admitting there is favoritism and politics but that’s not why the black actress didn’t get nominated.
I can already tell this is going to be another blind item that takes up my whole morning, lol! If we assume prestige drama refers to films, that would fit Baldwin, especially in the 90’s. They might be a little loose with the term “Prestige”. He’s also done some thrillers like The Departed and The Cooler. To me he fits the bill more than Kevin Costner, who has done dramas but I think his biggest “thriller” was maybe Waterworld?
I also had a sudden sinking thought that it might be John Krasinski, who is one of my faves, because his resume would seem to fit. But I comfort myself with the fact that he understood the importance of casting an actual deaf actress in The Quiet Place. I feel like that doesn’t fit with the “worry” this actor has about wokeness ruining casting. I think the only thing we can say for sure is that this one isn’t Mark Wahlberg lol.
“I’m a liberal but….”woeness”. OK buddy.
He says he stopped watching until he got into the academy, then had to watch, so I would say he’s older, especially because he uses odd language like “stinkin'”. It also says he’s been in TV and films. So it’s probably not a star but rather a character actor that we would know but wouldn’t jump out to us. It could be anybody 55 to 80, really.
I was going to say people that know this guy personally probably knew exactly who it was the minute they read it. How does someone say “get a big stinkin’ load of me” more than once in a lifetime, much less in a short little interview?
I doubt it’s someone with huge name recognition, either. Definitely older than 60. I’m also assuming it’s someone who doesn’t get invited to the show.
Yea, I’m sure it’s not an A list actor but a B or C list character actor who has consistently worked but isn’t Uber famous. I’m thinking some dude that was in Mad Men. That is prestige drama. But agree, he represents so much of the academy.
What about Bryan Cranston. He would definitely say he is a liberal. He and Aaron Paul just opened a mescal company together. They are supposedly creating jobs in Mexico by employing a village and building waterworks and roads. He would fit the “prestigious” category: Trumbo, Argo, Breaking Bad (TV), Your Honor (TV). Thoughts?
So black stories are all pandering, older women in movies are unwatchable/you pray you never see them again, young hot women are talented, a movie about a fat experience is pandering too, and adult women who create art and stories are “lady directors”… Did I miss anything? They’re a liberal but we are all too woke now? Meaning aware of people’s existence and experiences outside of cis hetero white male?
This person is a grotesque pig. I hope they’re outed.
I’m guessing on more than one occasion this man has said “How can I be racist? I voted for Obama!”
T3PO, you gave the perfect synopsis! I wish I had read your synopsis before I read the pig’s opinions.
@CNM “as a black woman…” Followed by taking down black women always gives me pause. Not saying it’s impossible but most times it seems the ppl saying that are not actually black women but will take it at face value. Where did Viola Davis fight for black women but stop when she got in the door? Serious question. She’s got two Oscars so she should go sit in a corner and shut up? I mean since you’re tired of her? (And tired of her doing what exactly – her job? How does that work? She makes movies, we see her in movies). Also not sure how it’s tokenistic when ppl are also upset Danielle Deadwyler didn’t get a nom? Last thing I’ll say (though your comment is ripe for lots more to be said tbh). If you genuinely can’t see the racism rampant in his comments (insulting Viola (where on earth was she snottily crying?); Dismissing her performance when he admits he didn’t watch the movie; and saying the Oscars bent over backwards because they had more black presenters (yes, because that’s what Oscars so white was/is about and that’s what actors want from the Oscars, bragging rights from presenting, who cares about the award itself [/sarcasm]) – yeah if you can’t see that, I think at best you’re incredibly ignorant and don’t want to see it and at worst, you’re disingenuous and carrying water for white supremacy. Whichever one it is, GMAFB and miss me with black ppl need to stop calling out the racism in everything (paraphrased)
I wasn’t taking her down, I’ve watched other movies she’s been in and they have been great, however one thing I do notice is it seems we can only have one as black people.
So there are so many other talented black faces out there, pppppllleaase can we see them, ppleaase can we get variety.
I remember being on a black blog a few years ago and the article was basically pitting Beyoncé against Rihanna and the one thing that resonated with me is a few comments saying why can’t we have one, why can’t they both be great because white people can equally love Britney, Taylor, Xtina etc just to name a few.
I’m seeing something similar with the movies, it seems we hardly get a variety, we can only have one, and VD evverywhere in everything, a few years back we had lupita same thing, why can’t we have multiple different black actresses. And then when God forbid VD doesn’t win and or her performance is lacklustre, it’s now labelled as racism?!?! Miss me with that
One person cannot carry us all, we are monolith, we like variety and not liking something and being a critic of a movie a black woman has done does not have to read as racism. It’s harder when there isn’t variety, even with White male actors, there is sooo much choice, but with us they will give us a Denzel a generation, slip in an Idris for a few years and now it’s MJB, why can’t we have more that one
And if you as black allies don’t see the problem in this, it’s sad truly
not liking a movie Viola has done isn’t what’s racist. what’s racist is *not even seeing the movie* and deriding her anyway while whining about “wokeness” ruining everything. if he hasn’t seen it why is he voting and commenting?!
this is some sour ass old whyte male bawwing about how his privilege is somehow being diminished.
protip: stop capitalizing white and maybe people will think you’re actually a Black woman. or just go back to reddit and pretend you’ve had twins.
the CAUCASITY of this bitch! You as black allies is the dead giveaway. As a fruit-striped penguin, I say you ought to sit your ass down. (I’m not a fruit-striped penguin.)
@CNM, did you even see The Woman King? If you want to see young, talented, up-and-coming Black actors and actresses, the film is full of them. But I’m guessing that’s not really what you want, otherwise, this well-made film would have been seen as a success for you.
Viola isn’t carrying all of us. She’s not even carrying all Black women in the acting industry. But I guess you forgot about the “lady directory” and her costars already. You’re not even checking for them, but you’re upset they’re not recognized as well? I hope you recognize the logical fallacy you’re bringing to this discussion.
Even if you don’t like the film, it’s just incredible that you put it all on Viola’s shoulders while there were SO MANY talented Black people on and behind the screen. (Also, MBJ is starring with Jonathan Majors in Creed 3…Denzel has a son, John Boyega from The Woman King/Stars Wars, etc., Daniel Kaluuya, Brian Tyree Henry…do your homework)
Last, but certainly not least: This man was racist and the Academy’s nominations were racist. For w/e reason, everyone knows Blonde was a flop and should have only won at the Razzies, but 2 (white) actresses are up for the Best Actress award. That’s two places that could have gone to deserving performances, but we must be amazed that Ana won the genetic lottery and looks good in a wig (but can’t do the work to fix her accent).
We have to also accept a few “prestige” films because they have white people and fancy accents (Banshee’s, Western Front, and we can count Elvis because Austin damaged his vocal cords for the accent (ANA!)). I’m not saying those films weren’t good, but I don’t understand what the criteria are for TWK comparatively. But for w/e reason, The Woman King was a flop and Viola is just doing too much (no one says Daniel Day-Lewis is doing too much, but OK)… Thank goodness Rotten Tomatoes has TWK at 94% because with allies like YOU, we would be nowhere.
May God bless you @Lemons for that well-written response to @CNM!!
Those complaining that Viola Davis is taking the spotlight in The Woman King when everyone I know who watched the movie fell in love with other people in the cast, as well as being impressed with Nanisca(VD), the general.
People were very pleased with John Boyega’s accent and mannerisms in capturing a Nigerian, people loved the actress that played Isogie, people fell in love with the beautiful young lady( Nanisca’s protege) and wanted to know more about the actress.
So wuzzul dis I’m hearing about the focus only being on Viola D?
You peepu dinor watch de film, simple!
So many of the men mentioned in the comments where in their prime before I was a teenager so I recognize their names but don’t know much about their careers.
Could it be Bill Murray?
That was my thought but the television part make me think maybe it’s his brother? Joel Murray was on mad men
Bill Murray did start out on tv-he was on SNL.
Frank Langella comes to mind. He’s that old coot who got fired from a movie “because of a woman,” a costar who requested an intimacy coordinator. He’s definitely got an axe to grind and has definitely said he’s anti woke. Other actors who have made statements w/shades of misogyny include (and are pure speculation on my part and are only guesses): John Cusack, either Sheen, Tim Robbins, Woody Harralson, F. Murray Abraham. Johnny Depp also could fit.
this is a very good guess, I think! Langella, I mean.
I would never have even thought of John Cusack but after you mentioned him and I started thinking about the way he talks and how he kinda checks all the boxes from the clues we have, I’m leaning towards it being him.
His television credits don’t line up. Unless you count his single episode of Frasier where according to Wikipedia he did voice work.
But Frank Langella definitely works.
Frank Langella and John Cusack feel like good guesses to me. I would also like to put forth Sean Penn for your consideration.
My first thought was Sean Penn.
@Mrs. Smith – interesting guesses. As I said above, I thought it was a Gen X. But Langella is older and could fit. Cusack would definitely fit.
I feel like Depp is too lazy, drunk and stupid to speak that much.
I think Depp would have been grosser. This is gross, but not nearly gross enough for him.
My first thought was Kevin Spacey. He’s done all of those types of projects and worked with Judy Davis on The Ref. And I wouldn’t put it past EW to platform his gross ass.
I too was thinking someone who had worked with Judy Davis, who I think is brilliant, but who doesn’t have a lot of champions in Hollywood. The Ref is one of my favorite dark Xmas movies, and House of Cards could definitely be described as a prestige/Emmy winning series and The Usual Suspects as a mainstream thriller.
I’m kind of getting Paul Giamatti vibes. He was in tons of movies, shows, and historical pieces. Checking out his work history on wiki or imdb fits the description of “his performances in critically heralded prestige dramas, biting mainstream thrillers, and on Emmy-winning TV shows have earned this actor consistent acclaim throughout his career.”
And he is an Academy member, as are Penn and Langella.
Alec Baldwin is NOT discussing his Oscar ballot or anything else with EW or any other member of the press right now.
Never underestimate Alec Baldwin’s need to be the center of attention at all times.
The only reason I don’t think it’s Alec Baldwin is because he wouldn’t do it anonymously, Too much of an attention whore.
I won’t underestimate Alec Baldwin’s criminal defense legal team telling him not to talk to the press about anything right now.
hmmm…i’ll play. so prestige dramas and thrillers and emmy winning TV. So maybe someone from The Sopranos, Homeland, Mad Men, The Crown. Jon Hamm? Dominic West?
Are West and Hamm members of the Academy?
Jon Hamm would definitely fit.
Hamm has been a frat boy his entire life. He fits, but I didn’t know he was an Academy member.
I was wondering about Martin Sheen?
From people who have met Martin Sheen, I’ve heard his manners are impeccable. This isn’t his style at all
I feel like I recognize that jerk’s way of speaking… like if someone mentioned his name, I’d be like “that’s him”.
Though sadly it could be any one of a lot of people… the attitude coming across seems like the basic undercurrent of thinking for a lot of people in that beehive. There’s a handful of actors I’d rule out – eg Tom Hanks – but a lot of them are possibilities
I don’t know if this year’s anonymous voter comments are worse than usual, but nearly across the board, from all the publications, I’m finding them to be narrow minded – unable to grasp the bigger picture aside from their own in-the-moment experience and life view, ill informed and heavily biased.
The phrase that really gets me is “beating a frying pan.” I feel like I’ve never heard that before— the way it’s thrown in there casually sounds like it’s a phrase he grew up with, something specific to generation and/or region. Most of the search results on google were about people being convicted of murder or assault for beating their spouse with a frying pan. Any guesses?
It also strikes me as invoking a negative image about women, including WOC
ETA Kevin Spacey
Yea I think it’s Kevin Spacey
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I present the following for your decision making/entertainment:
Prestige drama: Wall Street
Thriller: Fatal Attraction
Emmy winning tv: Behind the Candelabra
Old entitled white guy who is known for being “liberal”, chatty, and into younger women: Michael Douglas
You make a strong case.
I like this guess too
Good guess!
while he seems awful, he won his first Oscar in 1976 so he’s had the opportunity to vote almost 50 yrs.. I dont think this guy is an Oscar winner and it sounds like he is newer to the academy and getting a vote. the hard part about guessing this guy is there are so many awful guys.
He’s also been a producer on movies that were nominated or won Oscars like One flew over the cuckoo’s nest. So you’d expect that he has had the right to vote in the Oscar race for quite some time.
Yup!
He got a Golden Globe for The Kominsky Method in 2019…could very well be.
Now THAT’s a compelling “For your consideration…” campaign!
Oh yeah I like this guess
Eastwood
A proud member of the GOP who would never describe himself as liberal
I think this is more likely a character actor, not someone who has always been the star of prestige dramas, thrillers, Emmy winner(s). It doesn’t seem probable that some of these guesses would give this interview, no matter how much anonymity EW promises.
Someone upthread mentioned ‘Mad Men’ – is Jon Hamm an Academy voter?
I totally agree and said the same upthread. Big name stars are not telling EW about their ballots. This is an older character actor who has probably worked for a long time but isn’t a star in any way. Notice the article doesn’t say this person starred in any of those projects, just that they are in them.
Ms. Till wore HOUSEDRESSES? No. Sir.
I mentioned Costner earlier. He straddles politically.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Costner
What about Sam Elliot?
Older white guy, “liberal”, well know in film, with prestige tv, awards cred.
But also an anti-woke, traditionalist gate-keeper about some stuff. He went off on Jane Campion’s last film, with some expletives, about how while she might’ve been a brilliant director, but what does “ this woman from down there know about the American West” and with a few nasty comments about depicting homosexuality in films.
Okay, that’s a good guess.
I’m actually liking Sam Elliott for the, ‘lady director’ comment. And it does sound like his earlier word salad about that Western.
Agreed. Plus the “finally getting in” comment.
Really good guess.
I couldn’t find when he got in, but on his first nomination in 2019, he was quoted as saying “about f-ing time” which fits the tone
this is a good guess, some of the language he uses sounds rather old
This is it. He fits everything perfectly.
Ooooh, I really like this guess. When he gets wound up, he is beyond offensive, and very verbose.
I think you nailed it! Sam Elliot is an excellent guess!
I don’t know who this jerk is but I suspect he’s not a huge name. The Academy is huge and the actor’s branch is the largest.
I agree. Probably one of those “yeah, I think I’ve seen that guy before” types with no name recognition. The big stars are going to be a lot more guarded even in an anonymous format like this. I’m guessing if we’ve heard of him, he’s over 75 and just doesn’t care anymore.
I hope not but maybe Woody Harrelson as mentioned above? I was trying to think of someone well known who speaks in that rambling voice and I definitely can match it to his stream of consciousness. He did just have that weird SNL monologue but not sure what his “prestige drama” would be
Woody is a good guess! The prestige drama could be referring to his season in True Detective.
My first thought was David Duchovny and I don’t know why. I’m not even sure he would be in the academy and certainly hasn’t been in well known movies in a starring role.
So maybe Matthew McCona heyyy heyyyy…but I feel the comment wouldn’t have made sense if it was him and there would be a lot of ummmm and ehhhhs. Woody Harrelson?
I’m glad someone else thought about Matthew McConaughey!
Ohhh, I had guessed Ford below but Duchovny is actually a good guess, and according to Google he was invited to join the academy in 2011! Idk why but I can actually easily picture him making that comment about being “forced” (🙄) to watch these movies now that he’s a member. I can easily picture Jon Hamm making such a comment too.
@Jessica – Duchovny, McConaughey & Harrelson are good guesses! Those could all fit. Prestige drama for McConaughey & Harrelson = True Detective Season 1?
Getting nominated for an Oscar automatically makes you a member of the Academy and Harrelson was first nominated back in 1996.
The thing I’m stuck on is its probably someone newer to the academy because he feels forced to watch some of the films, when prior to being in the academy he wouldn’t have
The “get a big stinkin load of me” comment has me thinking it’s someone older… Harrison Ford? I’m also thinking Sean Penn, but has he done prestige television?
I think Harrison Ford would rather crash another plane than sit down for this interview.
Exactly! And what TV series has Harrison ever done? Harrison Ford is a terrible guess.
Umm, he’s in a TV series right now? You don’t have to agree with my guess, but you don’t have to be rude about it either.
haha this comment made me laugh out loud, well done!
And yeah, Ford only begrudgingly gives interviews for his own projects that he’s obliged to plug, he wouldn’t give an interview for something like this.
I agree with those who have said it could be Kevin Costner but what about Ed Harris? Hope not either of them but 🤷🏽♀️ Please update us when this person is outed!
Ed Harris is married to Amy Madigan, so I don’t want to believe it is him, since she seems like an incredibly cool woman who wouldn’t be married to a douche. I may be projecting from roles she’s played, though.
Alec Baldwin. Definitely Alec Baldwin. I’ve listened to his Instagram rants.
Baldwin is a monster in so many ways and I have nothing but contempt for him.
I agree with it being Alec Baldwin.
He has a massive ego, a history of endless yapping on, always thinks he is correct on everything, loves to be the center of attention.
He still thinks he’s A list.
Why anyone would still give him the time of day, IDK.
I kept hearing Harrison Ford’s voice when I read it.
I don’t think Harrison Ford would be bothered to give an interview like this – he only talks when he absolutely has to.
I can’t see Costner for this. He is currently riding pretty high on Yellowstone.
He has always struck me as careful about his brand.
He has a huge ego, but he had a real drought period after Waterworld and turned to Hatfield tv to stage his comeback.
He knows his movie days are behind him but he’s gonna protect his Oscar winner status and keep his mouth shut.
Frank Langella, OTOH, is much older. Has a history of shooting his mouth off, thinking he is a bigger fish than his career warrants. I can see it being him. I read some of his autobiography and Wow is he full of himself. Even for an actor. LOL.
Costner is too smart. This guy is stupid. Costner also has had good relationships with poc, doesn’t make him not racist but I don’t see this as him. He’s careful about what he says.
I also want to add Vince Vaughn to the mix.
He really is that awful as well and of course he thinks he career is prestige.
Holy crap, Vaughn is a great guess! I think we have a winner.
Thank you. I really sat on it after someone point out something when I thought it was Rob Lowe.
It does sort of sound like him, but he’s a self-described libertarian.
I know plenty of ‘libertarians’ who think they are ‘liberal’.
I don’t think he would ever describe himself as super liberal.
I think Frank Langella is a good guess. As mentioned already, he comes across as a vain egomaniac / jerk in his autobiography. He is right about one thing though. Judy Davis is an incredible actress. I’ve been a fan since her amazing performance as Judy Garland.
I don’t know why, and I’m likely way off, but I read this through Kelsey Grammer’s voice…
Kelsey Grammer would absolutely say all of this and more
Kelsey is conservative though.
Good point Kelsey probably coughs at the thought of the word liberal
I thought Matt Damon. He got to a point where he was just so sure his every thought was so important to the world, he seemed to stop listening to any else’s lived experience.
Matt Damon is the walking definition of “bland, white man” to me.
Damon, Affleck, Kevin Smith, Vaughn, all the Wilson bothers, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Channing Tatum, Jon Hamm, Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Clint Eastwood, BPitt, Clooney, etc.
All these multi-millionaires are past it to me.
Move into behind the scenes or better yet retire from public life completely.
Tom Cruise is batsh*t in his CoS and his personal life. But he knows he jacked up his career and is too smart to give an interview like this. He KNOWS if he gets caught on anything, he will never make a comeback.
We need new talent, new writers.
And Tom adores Viola and loved working with her. Viola has mentioned getting flowers from him on occasion.
Tom is alot of things, but he ain’t stupid. He will always want to work with any and everyone.
Matt Damon does not talk like that. By the words are phrases this person uses they are in their 60s and older. People are just throwing out rancdim white make actors. No thought behind it.
Ohh, Vince Vaughn. Yes. I can see him for this, his career has tanked so much I forgot all about him. Talentless hack.
Jason Bateman? He has that sardonic and superior vibe.
Bateman also can be a casually a-holeish misogynist (see his dismissiveness towards JW that he had to walk back and shouldn’t have aired in the first place)
I totally forgot about that, but you’re right.
I was thinking about how they don’t always treat women very well on his podcast and the ‘get a big stinkin load of me’ quote is something I can 100% hear in his voice. He has a weird old fashioned way of speaking sometimes.
But I can see some real similarities between how he diminished Jessica Walter’s experience and the quotes above.
The TV performances exclude many contenders. I think Michael Douglas checks all the boxes, for TV, he was in Streets of San Fransisco, plus the “unnamed source” in question stated they’re a fervent Liberal. Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Vince Vagner would never claim that.
But he would’ve had the right to cast a vote in the Oscar race for a very long time and not only recently. He’s been both up for the Oscar as an actor and as an producer in the past.
I think the actor is someone older than Baldwin. The language was pretty old timey.
I feel like I am going to be attacked for saying this but the Woman King was terrible. I like Davis in almost everything and she was chewing way too much scenery in this film.
I thought her part was more “supporting:” She was the title character but Lashawna Lynch and Thuso Mbedu seemed to have more screen time.
Of course, I thought she should have been in Lead, not Supporting, for Fences and I think Emma Stone has her Oscar.
Ben Affleck…all day long
My guess is Charlie Sheen or Michael Douglas.
Alec Baldwin is an Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner. The anonymous ballot descriptor would have mentioned that if it were him. (Don’t give me that “to hide him more” nonsense, the writers always play by those rules.)
The fact that no nomination was mentioned means that this is a person who is in prestige TV but hasn’t been nominated or awarded for his own performances. Someone on another site mentioned Kevin Pollack. I’m not saying its Pollack, but it’s someone like that. A man who shows up a lot in these sorts of productions in a medium-sized role or capacity. Probably 50-70 years old, based on the use of “sweetheart”, which feels very Boomer/old GenX.
As an older Gen X white lady, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this turns out to be an older Gen X male.
And I’ll agree with other commenters that I don’t think it’s actually a household name, I don’t think most ‘stars’ are really going to sit down for these types of interviews.
And as just being nominated makes you a member, if it’s someone with a nomination it was only recently. Or they were finally offered an invited after years of working and getting good reviews but not enough notice to get nominated.
Fellow Gen X lady agreeing whole heartedly that one of our dudes probably said this if it wasn’t an old-timer. Gah it really depressing how many intelligent and well thought out answers everyone has come up with, so many problematic people
I’ve got it…Tom Hanks!!!!
He’s awful in real life as pretty much anyone who isn’t scared of him will tell you.
He talks like this and has made comments about women and minorities in interviews. Def a liberal and would describe himself as that.
Though I am not sure bosom buddies counts as must see tv!!!
Tom hanks strikes me as self aware. Even if he did think all of these things he wouldn’t be blabbing to a reporter about it even if he thinks it will be published anonymously. Somehow the truth always resurface when you least expected.
This particular mindset has been prevalent for the longest while, it is nothing new except the reiteration of the described person’s need for a mammy trope.
The familiar rage towards black female performers who do not cater to this particular mind set.
How dare they be competent? have agency? demand fairness? demand recognition?
I somewhat knew that diversity would be stripped of all its morality and meaning when the idea of it became mainstream.
I love the blatant honesty of this individual, who clearly does not see themself as racist.
So actors/ actresses who does not fit this definition understand that this is the head wind they are up and against.
The whole deal is one cannot successfully fight racism, it is not a real thing, it is a parasitic idea – way of seeing one’s place in the world in relation to others.
A certain mindset, when some members of one race is compares themselves favourably against another race, in this specific case black people and expect that blacks should live up to their low expectations rather than make an effort to excel.
It is clear that the person is miffed at the troupes from Daniela and Viola.
No mammy no whore to negate the humanity.
As long as this thinking continue to exist in enough people in the entertainment industry, the Oscars would be a mirror to reflect it.
What should talented actors should do? For starters, focus on the craft to produce what is considered good art in a variety understanding that people who are wankers that that need mammy DO NOT MATTER.
Use your art to reinforce your humanity in the face of others who see themselves as victors to whatever.
There is no obligation to give them what they want.
Always resist to the idea of your own inhumanity.
The art will endure, and never stop speaking up for yourselves, use your voice as a coping mechanism.
To the others find your own damned words, it is irritating to see “woke” be denigrated.
At present whenever it is used by certain problematic people, I instantly tune out, knowing that is stolen to be used against the very people who created it as a form of resistance.
I hope that black people reclaim that word, as an act of defiance.
I can’t fully explain it but it’s gives me Chris Pratt vibes.
I agree I could totally see Chris Pratt saying all of this… my only hold out is that he would say it on 60 minutes and wonder why we weren’t giving him a cookie lol
Chris wouldn’t describe himself as liberal though.
The nasty tone aside, he or she is relaying what takes place in just about any industry, film or not. There are certain people the people in power push forward, certain people who get a lot of recognition. You have to be in the with the right people. It’s a popularity contest on some level. And the protocol is then to get up on stage if you win the Oscar and kiss everyone’s butt, etc.
I thought Sir Kenneth Branagh but article says American
More sleuthing reveals the Actor said he hated Three Billboards, which Woody Harrelson was in. That might eliminate him? I could be wrong, but I’m not sure Vince Vaughn is a member of AMPAS.
Thanks for this. I thought it could be Harrelson before your comment.
They could have interviewed a hundred old white male members and gotten the same answers. I quit paying attention to the Oscars a long time ago- it is too political and elitist. Too many old white men inflicting their values, prejudices,, chauvinism, and racism into their votes and not enough others to balance their votes. It just has no credibility left in my mind, especially after the self-righteous behavior after The Slap.
@Tamsin, I agree with all of this. The most chilling part of the anonymous actor’s comment for me was: “…I think we all agree…” I think that’s true. Whoever they are, they know that they have a lot of company.
I haven’t watched the Oscars in decades, and rarely go to movies. Still, I get that this represents professional peer groups for a lot of people — not just actors. While I won’t be watching, I will be cheering if some of the people that I admire win awards that openly acknowledge their accomplishments. (Fingers crossed for Ruth Carter. And Angela Bassett.)
I have chores to do and don’t want to so I spent time on this instead. I looked up actors who entered the academy in the last 20 years then checked their IMDb to see if their work fits the bill. Proviso being that the description could be fluffing their career a bit like they’re the star or something.
Clancy brown
George wyner (character actor)
Tobin bell
Kevin pollack
Bobby cannavale
Aaron eckhart
Thomas Jane
John hawkes
Barry pepper
David strathairn
Lance henriksen
Tom berenger
And two who also worked with Judy Davis just as an fyi
Paul giamatti
Josh brolin
thank you Nancy Drew for doing the most today!!!!!
I love your sleuthing!
Bravo @BQM
Everyone up thread guessing really well known actors are totally off imo. I definitely think it’s someone not super famous (but relatively successful) and older gen x like several names on your list.
Thank you! I think the Judy Davis detail makes all the difference ( and I have to agree… Judy davis is underrrated!)
So, I would say Josh Brolin. His father is married to Barbra Streisand. I think he would see himself as a liberal. He is also 55 years old.
He is more of a movie actor, but he starred in a limited TV series produced by Steven Spielverg This would sit into ” prestige Tv” brand
For tv, where he was weakest in qualifying, he was in Into the West which was nominated for/won some Emmys and was in What If…? which won a posthumous Emmy for Chadwick boseman. Brolin was in that episode.
Weren’t there stories of violence against his wife too? He doesn’t like strong women so he ☑ that box.
Brolin was just in the Drama “Outer Range” on Showtime.
His third wife is much younger and they have two small children.
And of course, he is Thanos.
You are brilliant. May Cthulhu give you many spaghetts.
I loved reading all these comments. Agree that’s it’s someone who is older and not a marquee name, but possibly quite respected. I got to David Strathairn myself. I know nothing about his personality or politics, but he’s the right age and has the right credentials: LA Confidential, Billions, Lincoln, Good Night and Good Luck, A League of Their Own, Sopranos, Darkest Hour, The River Wild, The Firm, Nomadland, the Bourne franchise, just to name a few.
I am cringing, but when someone mentioned Paul G upthread, it pinged with me. Years ago I read interviews where he was snooty, catty, and insecure. I’d always liked him in the past, but I can imagine a reality in which resentments “set in,” like stains.
The only person on that list I think it definitely *isn’t* is John Hawkes, because he always seems so grateful and gracious. Kevin Pollack is beloved by all who know him, but he seems like he can talk… a LOT. There are persistent rumors about just how unpleasant Lance H can be.
Paul Giamatti pinged for me too.
It’s the Judy Davis’ references that set this persons comments apart from the rest of the pack.
And it definitely can’t be Barry Pepper, as he’s spoken so well of by people in the industry and he doesn’t speak like that. I know this as someone who follows his work.
Tom Berenger? Is he still around? Last thing I can remember him in was Major League.
Who’d even think to interview him these days?
Somebody mentioned Charlie Sheen earlier, but IMO Charlie ain’t answering his phone or doing much to draw attention to himself in the past 1-2 years. Which I’d like to thanks him for shutting up finally.
I think most of those interviewed for these things aren’t A listers. That’s why they agree and talk so freely.
Jack Nicholson.
Yes! Jack Nicholson!
Nicholson, age 85, is rumored to have dementia. He has become very reclusive and is unlikely to be doing something like this.
The actor thinks he is above the oscars but really wants to be part of the club.
Robert Downey Jr.
Justin Bateman
Steve Buscmei
Has anyone mentioned Robert Duvall? Career and age would track better than any of the other names.
My guess is for another Al.
Pacino.
Robert Downey Jr is a conservative, which forever ended my crush. Well, that, and him being a smug prick in interviews.
It can’t be Steve Buscemi, he is self aware and makes fun of himself, a lot. Watch his Who Do You Think You Are?, that genealogy kind of reality show. He’s thrilled when he sees pics of his ancestors, and makes the most self-deprecating comment I have ever heard, when he comments on their bad teeth, and they must be his people.
Well, that was brutal.
I’m hoping whoever it is, someone at EW is pissed and reveals it.
Hugh Jackman. Just saw his interview with Ashley Graham and to say he’s an asshole is an understatement!
Hugh Jackman? Or Hugh Grant?…
Someone on Reddit guessed Reed Birney (House of Cards) – he has a stage background and is more into stage than screen. Has seen both The Whale and Banshees onstage. Was in a production of 1984 with J Law, where she apparently threw up? I could see it.
@sass, I think you may be on to something with your guess, although I hope we’re wrong 😒
Personally I do think it’s Brian Cox bc he fits the description and talks a LOT of shit.
Ethan Hawke….
Or Peter Sarsgaard?
This sounds like Billy Bob Thornton to me. He seems like an incredible dick.
Some of these guesses are… whew. Folks don’t pay much attention to the description of the man before leaping out with something goofy.
Going by the description of the actor’s career and the info from his own statements that he’s a more recent member of the Academy, plus the verbiage he uses, I’d guess Stephen Root. And I hope I’m incorrect, but… that’s my guess.
I am gonna toss my guess on the bonfire…. Sam Waterston. Was once nominated for an Oscar in 1984. Has done plenty of tv and movies. He’s 82 years old.
To be an Academy voter, you have to have won or been nominated for an Oscar, correct?
My top guesses are Casey Affleck, Jared Leto, Thomas Haden Church, Paul Giomatti, James Franco, Sam Rockwell, Josh Brolin, Bobby Canavale.
No you don’t have to. You’re automatically invited if you are though. The last few years to increase diversity across gender, race, age the academy really threw open the doors and invited hundreds at a time.
Sounds like Dr House to me.
George Clooney?
Loves to think of himself as some sort of hybrid of the rat pack and an astute, worldly human rights activist. “Get a big stinkin’ load of me.” Countless films and lots of TV, including award darling ER. Boomer. And had a lot of “both sides” energy during #oscarssowhite. Could not shut his mouth to let a woman or POC speak if it were the only way to save his soul.
George Clooney is good friends with Viola Davis. He lent his Lake Como house to her and her husband. I’d be stunned if he talked this way about her. This seems like someone who doesn’t know Viola Davis at all.
It is absolutely, 100% Woody Harrelson. I can actually HEAR the “get a big stinkin’ load of me” bit in his voice.
This gives me Matt Mansplaining Damon vibes
based on the description I would guess Bobby Cannavale
Stephen Root. He’s an American, has been in the types of projects described, and is a pretty new member of the Academy, also as described.