Read this short article
Feminist highlights from the Academy Awards
And then comment on:
either the statistics of the Academy's best director aware: 82 years, 400 nominations, 4 women nominated, 1 awarded.
and/or comment on Mo'Nique's acceptance speech.
The academy awards were very good last night I watched them and saw more women there then I am sure were there 20 years ago. I was very shocked when I read the stats about the women being nominated. I am not sure if they nominated that many women just lately to make it look like there are equal rights but what I can't understand is to why there have only been just a few awards given. I believe after last night more women will fell like they can direct and take on stronger roles in creative areas and be someone powerful one day.
ReplyDeleteThe speech Mo'Nique gave was powerful and proved that she should get the award and the person she looked up to was another very strong women like she is. She pointed about that she has talent and it just isn't about that she is a women or an African American. She thanked everyone who has helped her on her way to fame. She seems like a good actress that deserved this award and won it!
-Kristin Frondal
I didn't get the oppurtunity to watch the Academy Awards lastnight but I did get online lastnight and saw the many articles about the awards and more importnantly the Monique acceptance speech for the movie "Precious".
ReplyDeleteLike frogs stated the speech Monique gave was powerful, you could tell she was confident and she knew in her spirit that she deserved the award. She wasen't overly confident though. I expected a humble speech from Monique though becasue through her acting career she's prided herself on being confident.
And as far as the stats go it's nothing that's suprising...well I didn't think the stats were that scarce regarding women and awards but I did think it was like that. 82 years, 400 nominations, 4 women nominated, 1 award thats alittle ridiculous but hopefully this will be a wake up call to the Academy as well as women letting them know to they to can direct and be great film directors.
-----Monica Mickel
I was also very shocked to learn the statistics of women and the academy awards. I thought that for sure there had to have been more women that were at least NOMINATED for best director. None the less, I am so happy that Kathryn Bigelow was the first woman to have ever won the prestigious award of best director. You could honestly see the pure shock, happiness, and true satisfaction on her face when she went up to receive the award. I just hope that sometime in the future a woman can win the same award not just for a "masculine" type of film, but for all types of films. There are so many fantastic and inspiring women directors whose work, I feel, needs to be spotlighted more often.
ReplyDelete-Heather Gaulke
I too did not watch the Academy Awards last night. As an African American female I found Monique's speech to be very touching in a way that only a woman of color can truly understand. We have come so far but we still have so very far to go. I am so proud of Monique. I actually saw Precious and I believe that her win was well deserved. She did an amazing job playing Precious' mother. I also find it disturbing that in 82 years and 400 nominations only 4 of those nominees were women and only one woman has won. Something's terribly wrong with that. I hope that Kathryn Bigelow and Monique's wins will open the doors for more women. Maybe now people will take women more seriously as directors.
ReplyDelete- Krystal James
As stated before in previous comments, it is not shocking to read those stats. however it is very frustrating as a woman to read something like that. people need to open their eyes and see women are just as talented as any man. Kathryn Bigelow proves that women can do the same work a "man" can. It is however intersting she had to do a rugged male movie to even get noticed,as we stated in class. Kathryn Bigelow should be an ispiration to all women directors, and even women in general.(Erica Jones)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Erica. I was not surprised at the statistics, but it also angered me slightly and I honestly just wanted to say it's about damn time. Then again, even though I was frustrated at how long it took for this to happen, I have to remember that I should feel pride and be happy that it was about that damn time for a women to get the Oscar. Not to mention, that movie was so artistic, creative, and authentic. Not only do I feel pride that a women finally received the award, but also that it was well-deserved and no one can take that from Katheryn.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Mo'Nique's acceptance speech, it was powerful and she is a strong woman as she has always been. I am a fan of her blunt comedy that mocks the media's portrayal of a woman's body and sexuality and she also pokes fun at the media's stereotypical take on black women today (which I can not directly relate to, but it shines light on things that I didn't understand).
-Kelly Keating-
The statistics are shocking that only 4 out of 400 nominated were women and only one has been awarded. I wonder if women directors are intimidated by these statistics and if it possibly affects the kind of movies that they make. Women are always viewed as making romantic movies or romantic comedies and I think they are afraid to break away from those types of movies. I think what makes a great movie is the story line. It needs to evoke emotion by the viewer. Although there have been very good romantic comedies, the movies that usually win are action movies. That is the kind of movie Katheryn made and that is why she won, because she took on the role of a male. I think within the next twenty years there will be more women directors who win awards because women are becoming less afraid to break out of the typical "women-directed movie."
ReplyDeletemonique's speech was very powerful as well. I have not seen the movie myself, but I have heard the story line and I am planning on watching it. I think it's amazing that she had such a powerful performance in her first movie.
Jesica Perrone
I watched the award show and was extremely thrilled when Kathrin Bigelow won for best director after learning about her in class, the odds that were up against her we incredible. It was such a great moment watching while her name was called and her walking up to the stage.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the tribute Monique gave to “Miss Hattie McDaniel for enduring all that she had to so that I would not have to” was touching. The thought that she put into her gown selection, and the meaning behind the flower in her hair all showed the gratitude Monique has for the position she is in. I really enjoyed watching her give her speech and thought she deserved the award.
I didn't watch the awards show, I never do, but I was so excited when I found out Mo'Nique won an award. She deserves it because this was way out of her element. Like she said in her speech, she had to do something different in order to get greater attention. Mo'Nique is known for comedy or always playing a person who is never taken seriously. After seeing "Precious", I didn't like Mo'Nique for a short period of time because her character's role was gruesome. I love that a women could portray such a dramatic character. This goes to show that we can do a man's job, and that doesn't mean we are not "women-like".
ReplyDeleteAs far as her acceptance speech, I though it was a typical acceptance speech. Nothing different really, but only little needed to be said for a such a very powerful movie.
-Katherine Hallmon
I'm watching The Hurt Locker as I type. The suspense is so much that I have to multi-task as to not be consumed by it. Kathryn Bigelow, indeed made a great film. I loved that Barbara Streisand gave Bigelow the award.
ReplyDeleteMy male friend and I have been talking throughtout the film about Bigelow, the patriarchal society, and the Oscars director awards.
It is too bad that the film is so male-centered. I think it is wonderful that Bigelow won but it's a double edged sword, most definitly.
-Kelsey Yoder
Eventhough I expect to see those statistics about women being nominated and the number of winners, I am still a little shocked by the numbers. When the numbers are put out like that it makes it a little more real. I think the awards were amazing, Monique gave a speech that really emphasized how important the film was to today's society. I agree with Kelsey on how Bigelow winning is a doulbe edged sword. Her win is definitely one for the females, but why does it take blood guts and war?
ReplyDelete-Lindsay Hummel
I am honestly not that surprised by the statistics of the best director category. It does point out that women are finally being recognized for their hard work. It also shows that more women are starting to get noticed for directing movies. I am very happy that a women has finally won an academy award for best director. People need to realize that women are just a good as men in directing/making a movie. I also believe that Kathryn Bigelow and Monique are inspirations to women and are going to help bust open the door for more women to win. I hope that when more women win it's for a movie etc that isn't "rugged and masculine".
ReplyDeleteSamantha Cale
As others have stated, these statistics are almost unbelievable. In 82 years with 400 nominations for the Acamdemy's best director; there has only been 4 women nominated and only this year did the first woman win the best director. These stats just go to show how much of an androcentric society we have. The Hurt Locker was a big war movie and appealed to many men, but it was directed by a woman. The other movies that have women directors usually don't get recognition, but I'm glad a woman FINALLY won the best director award.
ReplyDeleteMo'Nique's acceptance speech was short, simple, and straight to the point. I liked how she said, "that it can be about the performance and not the politics." She doesn't really have a very good part in the moive, from what I saw from the trailer. Playing an abusive person had to be hard, but she went ahead and played the part anyway. To me it shows she has the passion for acting and she deserved the award.
-Mary Buss
The Oscars this year was one for the women for sure. After finally viewing the Hurt Locker it makes me so happy to know that a woman directed such a hyper masculine movie. I have so much respect for Kathryn Bigelow to dive into such a "non-traditional" movie, for a woman. She is the beginning of the lines blurring between men and women in the film industry. It shouldn't matter whether you're a man or a woman. If it's a good film, it's a good film.
ReplyDeleteI loved Mo'Nique's acceptance speech. She is just so elegant, beautiful and downright amazing actress.
-Cara DeMarlie
I didn't watch the Academy Awards but I felt that the fact that this is the first woman to be nominated as best director is sad. It goes to show that the movie industry is another industry controlled by men. I saw the Hurt Locker and it is a great movie, but like we talked about in class it is extremely masculine. I think this is the only reason it won, movies that have feminine and have messages more related to women are dissmised as "soft" or "irrelevant"
ReplyDelete- Lindsey Belvis
I did not get the opportunity to watch the Academy Awards but when I read those statistics I was very surprised. That it amazing to me that after all of those years, it has only been that small amount of women who have been recognized in the industry and received awards.
ReplyDeleteThe speech that Mo'Nique gave was very confident and she really seemed like she knew she deserved it.
-Kelsey Nichols
Although I did not get a chance to watch the Academy Awards this year, the highlights did cause quite a lot of talk this year. Most of the talk I heard was about Kathryn Bigelow and her big win of course. I figured that was all that I had really missed and I knew she would win, for she deserved it. I really enjoyed The Hurt Locker. However, reading this article was the first I had heard about Mo'Nique's acceptance speech. She addressed some serious issues and moves in history for her race and makes it known that the journey was not easy. I agree with Kelsey in that Mo'Nique knew she deserved this award and was very proud and confident. She is very gracious and seems very heartfelt in her acceptance speech.
ReplyDelete-Victoria Wilkin
I could not believe the statistics of the academy awards. It is understandable that most women do not go into directing because of the male competition. Women are mostly seen as someone HELPING the male directors instead of the other way around. For a woman to finally win an academy award for best director is amazing. What is not amazing, is how long is has taken for it to happen. There are so many talented women out there, and they should not be afraid to stand up for what they want to do in life. EVEN if it means having a male dominated career.
ReplyDelete-Brianna Hund
I can't say that i'm not glad that a female finally won best director, but I can't say that it was an award worht winning. I guarantee that if the movie was about anything BUT war, then it would have not won. Kathryn is obviously brilliant, but after 82 years, the best director award goes to a woman who directed a masculine film. Congratulations to K.B., but I think she got lucky.
ReplyDeleteJackie Hund
I did not get the chance to see the awards, but after reading the stats I must say I was a little shocked. I had no idea that there had only been 4 women nominated out of 400 nominations. I realized that the number was low and Kathryn Bigelow was the first woman to ever win, but I figured there had been more than 4 women nominated. I am glad a woman won the award, maybe this will open doors for women in the future. Ashley Kimbro
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch the Academy Awards this year; I never really have, but after reading the statistics and Mo'Nique's acceptance speech, I realized how unequal our society is. I do not understand why women have not received more awards; it goes back to the articles we read about men being the superior actors in theater.. men played women's parts and men's parts. Does this carry over to who should receive credit for outstanding films? Statistically, men have received way more awards than women. I just don't understand why. Its discrimination. I did notice that Mo'Nique pointed this out in her acceptance speech, she referred back to previous women who've shaped history.
ReplyDelete--- Courtney Dennis
ReplyDeleteI dont care to much for the academy awards to watch it but I did however get wind of Monique's acceptance speech. I actually liked her speech and I was touched that a woman especially a woman of color won a academy award and it wasnt influenced by the politics and who they felt should win. I felt so intouch with Monique and everything she was saying as if I was there accepting the award with her. Her winning this award is just the stepping stone women need to show the world that we can be just as creative and assertive as men!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI had not seen the Academy Awards, but as my peers had said before me, I can't believe what I saw. 400 nominations and only 4 women were ever nominated? And only one has won an award? That is outrageous. I guarantee that if that movie was about anything else besides war, it would not had been nominated at all. I definitely enjoyed reading about Monique's speech though. She really touched on some important issues and mentioned the first African American woman to win an Academy Award.
ReplyDeleteI believe out of all those movies and nominations, there should be more women winning Academy Awards. This really opens my eyes to how sexist that is. Also, I think Katherine Bigelow is a pioneer in the movie industry.
As many others would agree, I found Mo'Nique's acceptence speech to be very touching. I liked that it was not very long and drawn out. It got to the point and you could tell by her voice and her choice of words that she really meant what she said. I think it is awesome that she represents african american women and men, actors and actresses and the things they do and work hard for. She was amazing in the movie Precious and she really does deserve the award for best supporting actress. I thought her speech was heartwarming and meaningful.
ReplyDelete- Taylor McDonald
Wow I had no idea that the statistics of women being nominated was so low! I am shocked and surprised. I think that there is just as many good women directors as there are men directors and more women should be noticed. It just goes to show that after this year anything is possible. Katherine Bigelow has opened up many doors for other women directors. I think after this acadamey awards, there will be more women being recognized for their talents.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Sitter
I agree with Taylor that Monique's acceptance speech at the Academy Awards was very touching. I liked how in her speech she illustrated that it can be about your talent and performance and not about the color of your skin. I also liked how she thanked Hattie McDonald, Tyler perry, and Oprah and emphasized all that they have accomplished and if it were not for them she might have not even been of the stage. I believe that Monique definitely deserves the award for best supporting actress in Precious. She is a great role model for others because she illustrates you can achieve anything by putting in hard work and dedication.
ReplyDelete-Alexa Stel
I feel that it's about time that WOMEN are getting the chance to show that they have just as much talent as men do in society today! A woman won the award as the best director and an AFRICAN AMERICAN woman won a role for the film "PRECIOUS"
ReplyDeleteMo'Nique acceptance speech for her award was very touching and as I'm writing this blog I was watching PRECIOUS and like she said its about time the world look at the TALENT and not think about POLITICS! It just feels good to see that women are getting a little more attention in the media for their TALENTS and hard WORK! Hopefully down the line there can be more women who can get recognition for their talents and dedications.
------> Denisha L. Price
Monique's acceptance speech really made a powerful statement about how she feels that certain accomplishments she has achieved would not have happened without influential figures such as Tyler Perry, Oprah and Hattie McDonald and their work. She didnt decide to thank everyone she has ever met but decided to make a statement about how proud she is to be a successful african american woman and role model.
ReplyDeleteIm very glad she won because she was an amazing actress in Precious and the film wouldnt have been the same without her.
-Jennifer Rose
It was nice to see Kathryn Bigelow win the best director. It has never been done before, making her win even more significant. Having not seen either the Hurt Locker, or Avatar I can't say which movie I like better. But Avatar being the favorite, the Hurt Locker win was phenomenal. The Hurt Locker was made on a little more then 1% of Avatar's budget.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the statistics are concerned, it reinforces the male dominated hierarchy in show business. Because of her win, I believe women director's will be taken more seriously. A lot of change in the 21st century.
I also agree being a man I really never noticed that the academy awards can sometimes be about the male directors and the movies. It was pretty cool to see Kathryn Bigelow get the award because you know she must be such a hard worker and it has paid off for her. I think this is a huge deal because it gives courage to any women who want to direct someday.
ReplyDelete