It's all well and good that women and men took to the Red Carpet and the Golden Globes stage and proclaimed vocally and/or symbolically their solidarity with women and those who are marginalized and abused. However, "the casting couch" is as older than the institution that Hollywood represents. As long as women are paid less than men, including the women in Hollywood, and virtually only men are making the decisions that affect what we see and consume, change will come only minimally. "Hollywood" will always follow the money.
I didn't see or hear ANYONE standing up for the women who have accused the President last night. Giving the man running America a free pass is a step backwards.
I didn't see or hear ANYONE calling out the false accuser Leeann Tweeden.
False accusations lead to wrongful imprisonment and minimizes the plight of real victims. Leeann Tweeden is the modern day Carolyn Bryant.
Sure the Coastal elites are cheering as their President got a pardon last night, but the Americans who live in a country where assault and harassment is all but endorsed by the President are most definitely not cheering.
And no, tossing Harvey and Al Franken, and another 50 Democrats ( mostly Democrats for some reason ) into the volcano won't fix any of it. It will only perpetuate it. Guaranteed.
"America is upside down and inside out. There’s meaningless make-believe in the capital of politics. There’s meaningful politics in the capital of make-believe."
BRILLANT!
2
I can't wait for the Emmy Awards! Let's see how many rap vocalists have good things to say about the women in their lives (i.e., the ones they denigrate in their lyrics).
2
Oops, sorry. I was, of course, referring to the (upcoming) Grammys.
Our next president will be someone of high morals values. Who can appeal to our need to cleanse and heal and unite our nation. As Carter came after Nixon.
3
Those "who walked the red carpet and took the stage were having the kinds of conversations, and articulating the sorts of values, that the embattled and embittered people holding the reins of government are currently unwilling or unable to."
Are you kidding? Washington has been shedding officials -- good and bad -- in droves for "assaults" and rumors. As for stating women's values, ask Kirsten Gillibrand, who seems intent on becoming a prominent enough medi figure to beat even Oprah Winfrey in the 2020 primaries.
No such actions are visible on the other side of the aisle and of course the man who needs most to go will remain solidly in place.
1
Mr Bruni, confuses "moral authority" with the "flavor of the month". The land of make believe remains as it ever was. If nothing else demonstrates both sides of the aisle are vulnerable to self deception. In The Times of all places. Sad
1
Odd, they all knew about Harvey, but now are 'standing up' against sexual harassment.
5
To be frank Frank, you know as well as I, that we live in a land of ignorant stereotypes. I don't see "Hollywood" when Oprah speaks--I see a self-made billionaire. And to quote John Mellencamp: "And ain't that America?" Washington is craven for power quote the Raven--forevermore.
2
Hollywood has always been a hotbed of racism and sexual discrimination while at the same time lecturing everyone else on proper behavior. It's so far beyond hypocrisy, that it's hard to even comprehend.
Treat people in your industry fairly, stop developing content that poisons teenage minds, and stop lecturing people like you are above it all. Entertainers and Politicians are the last people to listen to for guidance on how we should live our daily lives.
3
Only in Hollywood can an award named after a vindictive business man and notorious womanizer be graciously accepted by the recipient, after she gives a powerful and emotional speech about female abuse.
2
Most of these smug, self-satisfied Hollywood types supported that high profile sexual harasser and accused rapist in the 1990s. It was just about sex, and everybody does it. For more than 20 years, the Hollywood types turned a blind eye to sexual harassment and abuse, for fear that they might not be deemed hip enough. Maybe time is up, maybe not. Will they support Roman Polanski and his next movie? Will they pretend it is "complicated"? Time is up when it is cheap, but what will Hollywood do when it is not so cheap or easy?
1
Hollywood has spent years denigrating African-Americans, Native Americans and pretty much anybody who speaks with a Southern accent. It is a fantasy land that reacts to the sentiments of the moment, grinding up mostly mindless gruel for the bored and baffled masses. Looks like Mr. Bruni has bought a ticket the latest meal, few meaningful questions asked. Remember when newspaper columnists actually looked beyond the soundbite? I know, I know -- that is so 1980s.
1
"...the sartorial departure didn’t pack quite the punch that it was intended to, partly because a monochromatic palette didn’t change the plunging necklines, gaudy jewelry and glamorous fillips..."
Bruni you just did it again. You couldn't leave it alone. What does a woman's choice to look good have to do with the issue. Because she tries to look sexy while wearing black is not ok? Or that a woman talking about sexual harassment shouldn't show skin? More boxes upon boxes you make even when you don't know you are doing it. This is the problem.
3
I wonder who is going to make Mr. Blackwell’s list???
Remember #OscarsSoWhite from a few years ago?
Now we have #MeToo.
What’s next?
2
Hate them as much as conservatives do, there's no escaping the power of celebrity. Trump supporters who decry the liberal domination of Hollywood and New York were the first ones to be taken in by a celeb of some dispute. Your Trump falls somewhere in the middle of business charlatan and TV celeb. You bought his scam hook, line, and sinker. Trump convinced enough yokels, yahoos, rubes, the deplorably poorly educated to win the Electoral vote. You were taken in by con man, and some continue to blow his horn despite him giving you the shaft. That takes some doing. So when it comes to ridiculing Oprah and others who represent the Hollywood Left remember it is the bumpkins who will be most swayed by their magical aura of celebrity. You've already made fools of yourselves once. Wanna try for seconds?
DD
Manhattan
1
I finally realized why I am so dismissive of these golden globes and the sill hoopla that surrounds it: the hypocrisy continues for the love of money. Yes, let’s all vilify a man when he’s down—Weinstein most certainly deserves it. But what about THE ELEPHANT in the White House? The self-avowed groper and sexual harasser- in -chief? Not one person dared call him out for fear of being shunned by his supporters at the box office.
A nationally televised public shaming and a call to arms for his removal would have been appropriate. Calling him out publicly, calling for his removal from office for his sexually agressive behaviors towards women would have been far more impressive than being all dressed parading around in sexy black dresses with an « activist » as further proof of one’s bona fides. Those powerful women up on that stage in their powerful black dresses should have shamed his Republican enablers in Congress Ryan and McConnell and many more hypocritical craven GOPers. These are shameful men who even at one point were willing to support a child-molester over an honest man. They had the power and the venue and the voice to call him out, but they didn’t. The money’s too important. Sad.
2
Actually, can someone explain to me why, if Hollywood and Cali are filled with the wisest, most capable and compassionate people on earth, then why are there so many more homeless people in LA and the SF Bay area than anywhere else in the country? Why haven't these generous, compassionate and wise people solved the horrendous problems so near their own doorstep? Why are their never trendy movies about homeless people in LA, or maybe about the Hollywood studio workers who were laid off and unemployed when production work was sent overseas? Since these actors are so much smarter than the rest of us, wouldn't you think these actors might have noticed suffering all around them?
2
Progressives care about these things. Liberals don't.
1) The weather
2) Compassionate residents
As you have admitted, California is not a welfare state. No free rides, but better treatment than anywhere else. Tough, but fair.
You're welcome.
I find all the celebrity and Hollywood bashing interesting. Has that not been Donald Trump's world?
4
I have been watching the series, "Black Sails". A exciting series that shows great women of power and intellect, leading and loving among men of the same. Why don't we have more like this?
I turned off the show after the self-righteousness and self aggrandizement became unbearable. I still await a more nuanced discussion of sex, sexism, and sexual violence, and for redress found through legal and political action, not trial by twitter or smug, sanctimonious posturing.
6
The Golden Globes was a huge exercise in hypocrisy. There were the enablers preaching to the world. There were the men cringing, lest they be named. Who was the enemy that they were talking about? Mainly Hollywood men of the liberal progressive persuasion.
They came to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
7
I love your writing, Mr. Bruni, but I’m not with you on this one. Hollywood has suddenly awakened to its blatant abuse of women and minorities over the years? And star after star, with Oprah delivering the coup de grace, attests to their newfound commitment to justice and equality? Come on! They don’t call them actors for nothing.
2
Echo Chamber. The left never learns. I'm a part of the ;eft and I know why we are in a losing game.
Trump may or may not win another election. He may quit, get impeached or be prosecuted. But, the fantasy that America, all of America wants a female, African American media personality as our next President, well, it reads as a refusal to accept that the world does not move at the pace of our wishes. It's bad enough we have Trump, but crazy leftists loons think everything will be fine if Oprah is President. She thinks just like me, is their idea. Unfortunately, they don't realize that they are living in a bubble. They are no different from far right religious people.
Good luck left, I'm done.
4
Oprah said on a BBC interview that old white people must die. Was that a kind, generous, compassionate, inclusive thing to say?
This is all a Wizard of Oz curtain over the fact that we have a corrupt, bullying president in mental decline who is beholden to Putin. All this #meetoo'ing is a side show for the real problem which is the hollowing out of our government at all levels and the enablement by the venal Republican party. While sexual abuse is real, all these people are doing is putting black slipcovers on the dining chairs of the Titanic.
A photo of Trump sitting at a table full of men debating women's healthcare made the rounds on social media. It was absolutely gobsmacking. Also there was a small group of guys in Congress meeting behind closed doors to come up with a healthcare plan, and that group also did not include women.
As we have seen, thanks to droves of white women supporting Trump and Roy Moore and the likes of Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kellyanne Conway, being female does not insure compassion, inclusive thinking, progressive social plans or honesty.
Yet, overall, Washington would be a better place with progress towards the goal of 50/50 split between men and women. It is mind boggling how far we lag behind the world in this area.
3
Kind of reminds me of the old SNL skit in which John Belushi, Garrett Morris, and Gary Busey are sitting around in leisure suits on a talk show called "Women's Problems." http://snltranscripts.jt.org/78/78nwomen.phtml
After some discussion of women's problems (example:) "I don't care who she is, what she says—there isn't a broad alive who doesn't feel unfulfilled if she doesn't have a baby." The men nod in agreement.
A little later, the character played by Garrett Morris says, "And when they get old, they get ugly!"
Sounds similar to what we have in Washington right now.
To be an actor, actress, screenplay writer, in other words, to be an artist and to understand, study, and be one with so many different characters, from all sorts of walks of life, see things from their perspective, ebing a hero or a villain, abused or the abuser, victim or being victimized, bully or being bullied, to feel and understand, love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, abandonment, hard work, rewards, rejections, and so many many other issues they need to peel layer after layer and if they can't understand it in its deepest and most profound level, they are not able to perform or make the audiance to feel what it is like to walk in thier shoes, this is why we crave good movies, we forget our lives and submerge in the life of the characters for an hour or two, to live in thier world and feel what they are feeling. So maybe at the end of the day, a real true artist with the depth of feelings, compassion, and understanding such as Oprah and her likes are our best bet to help us to remind us what it feels like to be a human, to have compassion, understanding, and what it takes to overcome obstacles, achieve success, but most of all and above it all, still remain true to who we are, remain humble, not forget where we started, how far we have traveled, how fragile everything and life it self is. it is not easy, to be honest, and true to ourselves, but maybe through the lenses of real artists, we can slowly work our way towards it. then only then real positive change is possible.
Oprah 2020! Some people argue that she is just another celebrity, and that we need someone with governing experience in the WH, but I argue she has the experience and then some. She has book smarts and street smarts. She can detect a lie, size up character, hire intelligent people. She is a student of history, an avid reader, curious, always learning. She commands attention, unifies people, stays humble, and is very empathetic. And she is a top-notch speaker; Her speech last night was perfect. It felt like her entrance into a new role of leadership for America. I bet she runs for president. And I'd vote for her.
3
Here's the thing about Oprah: She's emphatic about issues that are right, that are important, that are necessary. I especially appreciate her enthusiasm for problems we need to face and solve. I like her. It doesn't matter what was worn, who was fancy and with makeup, who was wealthy or popular...the Golden Globes chose to award someone we can trust. She is on the horizon!
3
Yes, I, too, noticed that some women in black had a lot of skin showing, and others were very modestly dressed. I am still wondering to myself if it makes a difference. Are women free to dress scantily and require men to focus on their work only? It’s an honest question. I don’t know the answer. I suspect the leaders of the women’s movement will probably say yes. A woman could walk the red carpet in a string bikini and should only be addressed about her work. But I’m left to wonder. I thought Oprah got it right sartorially too. She was modest but not boring. And her riveting speech moved a nation.
1
Oprah is very talented, but as a hyper ambitious businesswoman she's no more authentic than any politician. Moreover, as the climate crisis worsens, her status as the Queen of Consumption, the Matriarch of Materialism, is exactly what we don't need. We need a true progressive like Bernie.
3
Men in power in Hollywood, Washington and everywhere else are not going to give up their power to minorities or women and anyone but themselves.
That's why the only way to change is to take the power. we are 1/2 the world's population and have one thing in common. We have never been looked at equally by any society any time in history.
Now is the time to get women's interest, voices and votes consolidated. Starting a business, look to other women for financing.
In terms of strength, a willingness to stand up to a bully like Trump, the Dems are attracted to Oprah, who could really deliver zingers to The Donald. It just so happens that 2016 was a year we needed a forceful candidate, but that's in 20-20 hindsight. Bernie could have done it in 2016 and we'd all be a lot better off if he had run.
It still comes back to what Ohio representative Tim Ryan said: "we need the right message and the right messenger." Ryan fits that bill, and there are a small handful of candidates who do. We need someone who can speak to the masses in a cogent way, and someone with a personal style that is both pleasing but also charismatic.
Oprah has the charisma, and she has to ability to forcefully articulate the message, but question is, is she the right messenger. She could be a bit too polarizing,
1
Black attire is not just simpler, and also not the point. Getting that many people, men and women, to unite using fashion as the symbol for solidarity was bold and beautiful. Black was chosen for how powerful it feels to wear it. And to be seen wearing it.
Bravo
1
Barbra Streisand, the last to speak at the Golden Globes, offered a brief look into the discrimination she has experienced ("It's been 34 years! [referring to her award for Best Director] Time's up!"). One need only look at her body of work, the songs she sings and refuses to sing, her political activism, and her powerful gifts (money, time, talent) to know that she has fought the good fight and put her money where her mouth is (medical research, heart research, foundations for giving, civil rights). There are few people in the entertainment industry--in American society, actually--who have fought the good and right fight as long and as hard as she has.
2
Yes, Mr. Bruni, the show was a rousing performance made by people whose chosen life purpose is to act in fictional drama designed to entertain and produce cash flow.
Best to avoid the attempt to spin the commercial enterprise into anything culturally or morally significant ... other than an attempt to bamboozle, to cloak, to hide from the masses, for profit, the evolutionary purpose of humans.
And more: Women control the life purpose of the specie. Its a terminally insulting show of paternalism to attempt to establish that we don't.
I cheered for Oprah from my seat on my living room sofa. And I'm cheering for Frank Bruni now. For better or worse, movies and TV shape girls expectations and have long sexualized girls and women even in the idealized sitcoms of the 1950's and 1960's where there were true blue nice girls and wild or materialistic girls in the high schools of "Wally Cleaver" or "Father Knows Best"-land. Any young girl unfortunate enough to be sexually assaulted in those not so much kinder or gentler happy days of the post WWII glory days could expect to have her reputation ruined. I am happy for the courage of Hollywood's women who have spoken up about sexual harassment but much happier for Oprah's haven spoken up about rape.
Greta Gerwig directed her lead actor to a Golden Globe win
Greta Gerwig directed the film that won best picture
Greta Gerwig was not dominated for best director - all men were.
3
An enchanting evening of damage control for Hollywood.
8
Social justice is always about equity, not about the rewards for exceptional achievements, so while the solidarity against sexual misconduct towards women who have been powerless to defend themselves is good to see, the event really could not really promote any real remedies beyond announcing that even the most advantaged sympathize.
Oprah has been a unique figure in the mass media, who has succeeded mightily over three decades, and it would seem could be a spokesman and an advocate for more women in leadership. But nobody should ever forget that achieving power and influence does not promote a more equitable society, even if unrepresented minorities are included in the elite. It will take the efforts of women, women who have no power and influence, working together to overcome gender associated inequalities in this country. Neither Oprah nor women in any positions of power or influence will ever resolve those inequities.
5
Sorry Oprah. Just because you are a black millionaire and you ran a tabloid TV trash empire that coarsened America does not qualify you to be our President. How about running for town counsel, dog catcher or mayor? Build slowly. Not everyone is a Donald J. Trump. Gain experience. Being president is a little tougher that confirming paternity of some baby with a DNA test on national TV.
14
Dear Steve:
Not everyone is a Donald Trump. Thank God. What a sad pitiful world that would be, oui? Would you like to walk in Trump's shoes? Only a fool or a mad genius would answer in the affirmative. So, Steve, wouldya'?
DD
Manhattan
2
Winfrey had male victims of sexual abuse on her show; she established a school for girls in Africa, with her own money. She is a humanitarian, gifted actress, with not one lawsuit or scandal to her name. No, she is not qualified for the job duties of president, but neither is the current occupant of the Oval Office. In addition, he brings shame and disgrace to the office: something that Oprah Winfrey would never do,
2
I think you're confusing Oprah with Jerry Springer and Maury Povich. Here's a clue to tell them apart -- she's not white, she's not male, and she actually encouraged her viewers to read books (Oprah's Book Club)!
3
At the Golden Globes, Hollywood Does What Washington Won’t
I celebrate and admire those standing up and speaking out for diversity, equality, inclusion, and social justice. In the midst of a lack of leadership on these important issues from many, but not all, in politics at present, it has a redemptive quality. However, I am somewhat concerned by what appears a self-congratulatory character of some of the voices being raised. I would remind others what my own parents oft cautioned me about actions speaking louder than words. Let us not celebrate speaking out without the follow through so necessary to actually effect change. The shameful attitudes and actions that spawned the #MeToo and #TimesUp tweets and statements by many now demand the action activism that delivers the changes many aspire to bring about. What did you do today to make a difference? How about tomorrow and the next day?
3
I would not detract from Oprah's speech--which I thought was wonderful--nor Oprah herself, but I wonder: how starved are Americans for moral leadership? That she could eloquently chose words that open to the bone, and lay bare the dirty issues, and yet bring us out with clear eyed hope seems a lost art these days.
6
Hollywood is now our moral compass? Saints preserve us!
13
Oprah 2020
One TV show host in a generation is enough -- more than enough.
2
No. Just No.
2
Women wearing black in solidarity "didn't pack the punch it was intended to because of plunging necklines, gaudy jewelry, etc..."
Hmmm... I thought part of the point of this movement was to tell you all, we get to decide what to wear and it shouldn't make a difference to our cause. Stop telling me I can't wear something because it will incite sexual harassment or worse.
9
No one's telling you what to wear. They're just saying you're a hypocrite and dishonest, because you want all the attention based on looks, but then you say you don't want that attention. Which, clearly, you do want.
1
"Wow, the power of women." Frank, why didn't that phrase move the NY Times to cut ties with reporter Glenn Thrush? Were those accusers not powerful enough, or does the #metoo movement only apply to those outside the paper? Just a thought given how the Times caved on handlilng issue. It also destroys the credibility of its stories on that movement, and columns such as yours. Yay, Hollywood is taking on an issue the White House won't! But neither did the NY Times.
5
Laughable....you can always count on one or more of the Times' stable to churn out some of the most delusional nonsense representing the current Liberal-Left mentality.
8
Always the first to bring up color. If someone said:“You wrote a role for a white man that could only be played by a white man,” People would loose their minds. Have a nice heaping helping of double standards right there. Thanks Sterling for bringing the dividing line to light.
5
No one says "You wrote a role for a white man..." because it goes without saying. That's always been the default setting in Hollywood. I just saw "The Great Wall", but despite being a huge Matt Damon fan, I was bored 15 minutes into the movie, wishing the movie had focused for a change on General Lin, the Chinese woman who played his sidekick.
2
It is really bad news when media think Hollywood and government are comparable. There is pretend, and then there is real for good or bad.
7
I read Oprah's speech, perused the articles, thought about them and I got nothin'. Staying tuned as always, never give up the ship, of fools that is.
3
Women are more than 1/2 of the world population. Attention must be paid.
4
Will the Clintons be welcomed to the Winfrey White House? I doubt we will ever know.
1
For decades, Hollywood power players have preyed on woman, and it has been an open secret in Hollywood. The people that Frank Bruni is now celebrating were for the most part accomplices to Harvey Weinstein and his ilk. Now they spend a night wearing black and acting all sanctimonious, and Bruni is ready to lionize them. Perhaps this is unsurprising, since the media and liberal politicians were also in on the open secret. The media have been tanking stories on Weinstein for decades. Does anyone really believe Obama and the Clintons knew nothing about their buddy Weinstein's predations? (Of course, Bill Clinton was probably cheering him on.) It took both Hillary and Barack five days to utter a word about Weinstein after the revelations were published, and even then Clinton never says she condemns Harvey. Do you think the Obamas let their daughter intern with Harvey without knowing about him? Of course, they knew that he would not dare try anything with their daughter, but they had no problem with him preying on the daughters of all the little people. At the same time all the liberal elites have been on a witch hunt against male college students (remember Duke and Virginia). Clearly liberals have lived an ethos of jus primae noctis, wherein sexual predation is a privilege reserved to their "great men." I have come to expect hypocrisy from liberals, but this whitewashing of wholesale sexual predation is uniquely nauseating.
8
Do you honestly think that sexual predation is being whitewashed? For God's sake, have you kept up with the news? As for liberals being hypocrites, do you recall when Bill Clinton was impeached for a consensual affair? (I know, "obstruction of justice", but that's like saying the Civil War was about states' rights.)
2
Although Oprah Winfrey would make a far more acceptable president than Trump, her conspicuous lack of experience with governance, the law, international relations, militarily history and diplomacy makes this a very risky idea. How can we bash Trump for being uninformed and uneducated in statesmanship and then suggest we have a billionaire talk show host with no government experience run for the Democratic ticket? The presidency of the US should not be downgraded to figurehead status.
16
I understand your views, perspective and points made. However, I would also offer that the Presidency, the White House Staff, cabinet,and indeed the entire executive branch may be overmatched by the scale of issues that need to be addressed. No one person is capable of dealing with our challenges alone. Indeed it will take more than even a legion of competent and experienced professionals to even begin to deal with our many challenges. Despite the immensity of the task however, it all begins with a passionate, committed, intelligent, empathetic, and inspirational leader. Such a leader can surround him or herself with the wise counselors experienced with the task of governing and attract the necessary broad based support to achieve the changes to which we aspire. Does that describe Anyone you can think of regardless of what field of endeavor has initially brought them to our attention? I submit that it certainly does not describe our current administration.
3
Yes, Michelle Obama.
1
Dear Nicole Kidman, the power of women is with people like my daughter who busted her butt to become a firefighter in a male dominated job....just because big shot actors where a pin and and a bunch of actresses had their 50K dresses altered to black doesn't impress me, feels like a trend. Yes tune into hours of who had their designer dress altered and how grueling it was to switch to black....this is so out of touch with those of us in the real world.....oh and tonight don't forget to catch all the entertainment shows about who wore what and who looked the best.... and worst. Hmm.
14
There is no way Washington DC will follow suit. The Republican Party represents a misogynistic, racist, religious intolerant agenda. And as the party duly elected by those with similar ideals not much will change. (Oh, they also think unkindly on the poor and physically challenged.
If you don't believe me check their policies and their glorious stable genius ideals.
1
It’s ironic that the very industry that caused so much abuse of women, now has become so self-righteous as to claim no more #ME TOO
7
I wonder how many men in that Golden Globes audience shuddered at the thought that these prominent women and their aggressive anti-harassment stance might lead to their outing. This is one closet that needs to be blasted open. We've been staggered by just how many women have been able to ensnare so many highly-visible abusers, including journalists, politicians and entertainers. But of one thing we can, tragically, be certain: There are many, many more sexual abusers out there, and there will always be. I can't help but look at celebrated men and wonder who is next. I find myself ready to believe it could be any public figure (not to mention the thousands more in unheralded professions).
2
Let’s please start with trump. He has a trail of women behind him, accusing him of the very behaviors that got Harvey Weinstein, and scores of other men, thrown out of their jobs. He must go too!
Trump is Trump and as awful as we feared.
BUT I am more concerned, and scared, by the feckless actions of Republicans in Congress. Our institutions are supposed to be the safeguard against an autocrat. The feckless Republicans, led by McConnell and Ryan, are more disgusting than Trump. Can Hollywood save us from them?
3
I'd be more impressed if Hollywood were concerned about the fact that our government is being "led" by a person suffering from mental decline, who is a puppet for Russia and bullies our Congress into submission. Lindsay Graham, what does Trump have on you??
Harness the Oprah Energy. Galvanize Female Democrat Politicians. A new Day with a new Manifest Destiny Theme.
Hollywood's version of #MeToo is simply that of "follow the leader." It's trendy for them to speak out now that it's financially safe for them to do so, but virtually all were silent during Harvey Weinstein's years of disgusting behavior in order to save their own careers. How noble....
Also, am I the only one bothered by the fact that a less-than-great movie featuring a revealingly dressed, beautiful, shapely female (Wonder Woman) is considered to be an example of how women have progressed in Hollywood? Seriously? How desperate....
7
You do know these people are actors. Right?
14
“Oprah 2020” ? A continuation of the white racist Southern Divisionary and Supremacy tactics that currently tear our country apart. No thanks. I'll pass
1
The actresses last night did not have the quality of a Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn nor the talent. You did not see a Bette Davis or Katherine Hepburn type of star. There are so many others I could mention such as Ginger Rogers, Loretta Young, Irene Dunne and Rosalind Russell. Now they were true actresses. The movies matched these women's talents.
The women last night are a dime a dozen and the movies are pretty awful for the most part. This is why they are losing money in Hollywood. Lack of talent and decent pictures are a rarity today. I prefer to watch the Turner Classic movies and spend my money on the theatre.
2
Blowhards, each and every one.
10
Oprah's speech and Oprah the woman in contrast to Trump's braying bragging about his education, money etc.
Oprah is highly intelligent. The money that she's accumulated is the result of her work. She didn't inherit a business, she built a business. She is a genuine TV star of show that expanded horizons for people via dispensing information, encouraging reading, engaging with issues. She wasn't the "star" of a fake "reality" series. She became a billionaire based on her own hard work. She's everything that Trump isn't. Smart, a self-made billionaire, a star, and trustworthy. She should run for president -- the first woman, black woman, to be elected and woman who knows organization, how to get things done, and would attract the best and brightest to work in her administration. She's optimistic, she dispenses hope, charity, and kindness and she has class and decency in every fiber of her being.
4
There is talk that Oprah should run for President. We have tried this twice, with mixed results. Obama had no senior government or business experience, he was marginally successful. He certainly did not live up to his hype, he was given a Nobel Prize for his potential, but with the exception of one achievement did not fill that potential. Trump, only a year in has be a disaster. I have no wish to experience an untried rookie again. Being good on TV does not mean you are presidential material. We have to stop buying the sizzle and start buying the steak.
4
President Obama is already highly ranked by presidential historians. He was a great president; the best in my long lifetime, hands down.
If I may ask, how many Presidents have you seen?
1
Wrong Frank. Hollywood does exactly what Washington does. Pose and posture. Nonstop acting. Scripted lines.
It's just a movie.
14
I find it very surprising that Frank Bruni's opinion can be swayed by a Hollywood ceremony where perhaps the worst perpetrators of sexual harassment reside. I found the ceremony filled with hypocrisy and meaningless statements that are actually in direct opposition to the actions and actual workings of Hollywood. Really, Frank? You are much smarter than this. Wait until you actually see change before lauding this community of pretentious and hypocritical offenders. My suspicion is that there will be minimal change other than lip service until this "issue du jour" passes over.
7
Kudos to Frances McDormand for not succumbing to the movie star myth of eternal youth. Her hair appears to be her natural color, her skin looks like she washes it with soap, and doesn’t inject it with chemicals and she looks like she eats dinner. And you know what, I think she might be the finest actress in the room, I have loved every single thing I’ve seen her in - the woman is brilliant - and beautiful. My favorite award show moment of hers is at the Tonys a few years ago she was cold and borrowed Joel’s jean jacket. When she won the Tony she ran on stage wearing the jacket on top of her gown. Now is the time for actresses to stop with the plastic surgery, it’s ugly, follow Frances McDormand’s example, her career is doing just fine. People grow old, it’s normal.
10
Nice column--we need a new Obama. Why not Oprah?
2
I'm just a simple old man so I'm probably wrong but the display of so much skin wrapped in a little black and mounted on high heels screams the opposite message that many of these fine women spoke.
7
I'd agree with "Hollywood Says what Washington Won't", but "Hollywood Does What Washington Won't" goes a bit far. What has Hollywood (ever) Done? A lot of celebrities mouthing platitudes seems to be a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. Wasn't Hollywood the place one was most likely to find men claiming to be feminists even while all of the rape and harassment was going on?.
.
Look, I'm no Trump fan, and the only kind of moral leadership he provides is negative, but at some point you have to judge people on their actions, not their words. Hollywood has Done very little, and I'm skeptical that they will. In Washington, in contrast, the only thing that has been Done is to kick out a couple of Representatives and Al Franken. In Franken's case the lack of due process and the disproportionality of the punishment has deadened the impact of the #MeToo movement by teaching reasonable men, the ones who need to and are most likely to change, to keep your head down and wait for the moment to pass. In Hollywood, the men are avoiding the subject as well, which suggests no lasting impact from the movement. What really has changed? What has anyone Done?
4
Seared into my mind is the image of Meryl Streep joyfully embracing Harvey Weinstein and leaping to her feet to applaud Roman Polanski. And now she's acting as if she's an activist?? I see her and I see Hollywoods's callous embrace of sexual abusers.
7
Hollywood is a bit hypocritical in some ways.. they allowed and allow it. They benefited from it and got ahead (no pun intended), they glorfied it in movies.. Actions speak louder than words and that remains to be seen what actions are taken..
1
You Americans should put this lady in the White House. She would make you proud again and the rest of the world would sigh with relief.
1
Hollywood is all heathen hedonist pagan fiction and fantasy. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were the best that Hollywood ever gave to Washington. Donald and Melania Trump have none of their acting experience and talent. Washington is all corrupt craven crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch factual reality built upon the theft of brown Native lands and natural resources and the exploitation of enslaved and separate unequal black African labor.
2
Oh no, not this! Oprah Winfrey, President? Ah, no. No no no no no no.This is too banal. She's going to be our donald trump?Yuck, no.
6
Both Hollywood and Washington pander. Neither leads. It's about power and money. Like the politicians, Hollywood sees the truth when the people finally see it and it is safe to take a side. Both are actors and know how to posture. Oprah strikes a pose in the photo that reminds me very much of Reagan. The hero in the movies always has that upward glance of confidence. Image is never substance and unfortunately many Americans can't tell the difference.
The DFL should focus on issues and substance instead of image and manipulation. If we were dumb and brainwashed we would vote GOP. Being treated like a manipulable idiot such as the GOP treats it's base only works on stupid people. Unfortunately for the DFL, that is not a significant portion of their base, and why they tend to lose. Substance DFL, substance, not hollywood fluff and acting.
1
OK. Oprah for President, Tom Hanks for vice president, Barack Obama for Secretary of State and Michelle Obama for Attorney General. How's that sound for starters?
It sounds like Americans have lost their minds.
More pseudo-liberals grovelling at the feet of celebrities. Who will give a rousing speech at the Oscars and be the next great [black/white, female/male] hope for the Demographic Party? Let's hear about income distribution, economic growth, globalization, immigration, geopolitics,and global warming and pollution.
How can such shallowness be promoted by NYT correspondents. It is one thing to "report" on an event, and quite another to take it so seriously. Shallow talk by shallow people, people who have done nothing over decades except burnish their image to get high salaries and enjoy the system that rewarded them so handsomely.
5
Hollywood is full of millionaires and billionaires. Washington is full of millionaires and billionaires. At this moment one of these groups is playing the roles of cowards and toadies. The other, is bravely speaking truths. Bravo to the women of Hollywood!
1
Don, did you enjoy the show?
The fact that the right wants to dial back diversity will not succeed in dialing it back. The fact that Trump is hell bent on undoing Obama's legacy will not undo it. For eight years, children of every skin shade saw a picture of a dark-skinned POTUS on the wall of their classroom, and whether people truly see it or not, witnessed him holding the office with class and dignity. Experiencing Obama as a role model was a priceless gift that can't be dialed back.
2
Let's hope the (politically) fairer sex can make as many analogous inroads in behalf of fairness and human decency in our political landscape in the coming year. Too many of their male counterparts are too enamored with power for its own sake—as paid bootlickers of billionaires or via their cold steel phallic symbols—to see themselves as public servants of all Americans and even (their god forbid) all humanity and the Earth's future.
1
Too bad the movie (Dunkirk) about anti- fascists disrupting a large gathering of white supremists did not win Best Picture.
1
Dunkirk didn't win because it portrayed a bunch of white men - you know, those white men who protected Britain and eventually saved Europe - as "good guys". And we aren't allowed to like white men any more, apparently.
My question is this would the Weinstein allegations have come to light had Mrs. Clinton become president ? That said the Hollywood crew has once again taken up a cause which is riddled with their own crimes and misdemeanors. Ah yes we celebrate the women who stand up for injustice in an industry which works for one thing.......popularity and celebrity. Yes the 1%ers speak up for the squaller of their circumstances. Because they alone can stamp out injustice for things that affect their careers, these events are stupid, the people awarding themselves are vapid relentlessly self promoting and idiotic. BTW Mr. Bruni you are a man so I'm suprised you have the wherewithall to write an op-ed.
2
Frank, you've lost it. Take our cues from the nut jobs in Hollywood? The land of low morals, now pot and the predominately uneducated.
Right.
4
With Obama's cultural Marxists gone, Hillary being investigated--again, a Sovietized New York City media struggling to survive, who else to carry the flag?
ok, oprah looks stunning, but mr. bruni, you are pimping out these woman for your own agenda. Bigotry, misogyny, is in the heart. It is not a commodity. It is not a natural resource. Unless you treat the heart of the matter, you are complicit. And, btw, black dresses are very slimming.
1
The sanctimony and scolding was disingenuous. Rather than wear balck gowns, shoes, and jewerly available only to the 1 percent, a real protest would be either not to attend these "awards" at all or -- even better -- refused to participate in this industry.
#theyallknew
4
A bunch of self absorbed, narcissistic phonies.
4
Blow/Bruni/Oprah 2020
Frank those people are actors.
Acting.
All the time.
You are such a sucker.
9
Now there's all this talk of Oprah for president. It is amazing how stupid people are.
7
You want women to be able to flaunt their breasts in public but at the same time demand that women not to be taken for sexual objects? Notice a disconnect in that logic?
4
I'd rather have watched an awards program where Anita Hill received the recognition she deserves, or Sally Yates, or a tribute to Heather Heyer or a recognition of the courage of Alex Wubbels. These women are true heroes. They are not participating in a self-congratulatory yearly round of "Look how great we are," they are not wearing $250,000 earrings, or consulting with their handlers about the best way to market their brand in these troubling times. I'm glad that Hollywood finally has broken the glass ceiling with directors and female-driven movies. It is a good and important step. But none of these people speak for me or address what's really going on in our society - the class division that makes me sort of nauseous when I realize that everyone went out to buy (or have donated to them) a new black gown that cost more than most people's yearly salary. the #MeToo movement must, absolutely must, be tied to the income inequality in this country. It is abhorrent that people like Weinstein were allowed to consolidate their power by intimidation, rape, and sexual assault. It is more appalling that it went on for so long. But there are cleaning women, secretaries, female middle managers et al, who have gone through hell trying to work for a living without being assaulted, harassed and ridiculed by powerful men almost every day of their working lives. I want to hear their voices. This is becoming a very upper class movement.
2
Hollywood had no choice to address this issue. As hypocritical as the shock and outrage might sound, if the awards show hadn't said anything, it would have seemed much worse and completely insensitive. A case of damned if they do or don't, but I think they made the right decision. Whether anything will actually change in Tinsel Town, remains to be seen.
Since you seem to be warming to the idea of celebrity leadership, be honest with yourself for once in your life: most of what you recurrently claim troubles you about Trump’s bravura would not trouble you at all if he were a Democrat.
Government has finally, successfully downsized! They have completely outsourced morality and ethics to the corporate business world, who proceed to do with it what corporations and businesses do: profit from morality and ethics. Which is to say, morals and ethics are part of a business model so long as it serves the purpose of not alienating too many clients/customers or provides an affordable marketing/pr/advertising boost. There are both upsides and downsides to this. The upside being that corporations actually care about morality and ethics because their customers do, so some progress it made. The downside is that if a corporation or business can get away with an empty gesture like a speech or wearing certain clothing, they will.
1
There's a lot of anger against politicians here. I used to say that we have term limits in the form of voting, but that pretty much isn't working anymore. I believe our founding fathers intended this to be a citizen government, not a government of professional politicians. We need to set some reasonable term limits and continue to refresh the government with new people.
4
Anyone who thinks the Hollywood hypocrites are going to give up their casting couch is fooling themselves. They may be a little more discreet for a while, then it's right back to bad behavior. And Hollywood's objectification of women hasn't changed a bit.
12
"It’s virtue signaling in Valentino." What does that mean???
3
Valentino is a designer. Frank was being a little snide .
1
Men don't have to think much about their attire at these award ceremonies, On the red carpet, women are graded more on their appearances and less on their performances. It's not only sexual harassment that has to be combated, but also a superficial system. I don't care "who" women are wearing, just what they have to say and how well they acted. The tradition-bound emphasis on gowns and jewels constricts their growth and our view of them.
These days, there are people in Washington, like V-P Mike Pence, who seem to want temptress females out of the workplace so men are not lured into sexually harassing them. Hollywood and the Globes spoke Sunday night of something different -- including more women, and not just because they are good but also so when things do go wrong, females are there to right them. Better still, their participation can prevent abuses in the first place.
9
If these people are so democratic and "pro woman" how is it that there were no older women there? Or fat women? Or disabled women? Or ugly women? Explain, please.
Forbes magazine has a list of the 400 richest Americans. They also rate each of those 400 on how self-made each one is. To earn the highest score an individual must earn the wealth on their own, and do so overcoming adversity.
Two people scored the highest marks; one of those was Oprah Winfrey, who was raised in poverty and was sexually abused as a child.
Ms. Winfrey's speech at the Golden Globes was the most powerful speech I have heard, anywhere, in recent years. She beautifully wove tales of the importance of role models, the power of women, collectively, to fight sexual abuse, and to provide encouragement to young girls watching that their future may be brighter.
Was this the opening of her 2020 campaign for president? Maybe. But the speech definitely showed the power the entertainment industry has, when it wants to, to be a powerful voice against injustice.
14
I'd like to commend Allison Janney for bringing up the issue of class discrimination, which, as other commentators have noted here, is often linked very closely with sexism and misogyny. The movie "I, Tonya" was flawed (and confusingly smirky about the very issues it purported to condemn), but it did point to a type of contempt and judgmental behavior that is prevalent across party lines--and quite often within very educated strata of the population. It's always depressing for me to hear people who consider themselves liberal and open-minded use the term "white trash," as if the whiteness being discussed inherently justifies the hideousness of the remark.
9
NYT readers/commenters use the term "white trash" all the time, especially with the adjectives "fat" and "old".
Here is a sad sidenote. As I read this column on my phone, one of the ads I saw between the paragraphs was for solar panels. A photo showed the panels, with a model standing and pointing at them. The model just happened to be female and large-breasted. I know the latter fact because she was dressed in skin-tight jeans and an even tighter top. Just shows the ubiquity of the problems to be dealt with.
12
"He's going to be president!" That thought popped into my mind upon "experiencing" at a visceral level, Barack Obama's elevating keynote address at the DNC convention in 2004. The same thing happened again last night upon experiencing Oprah Winfrey's power and her rousing inspirational words,--"She's going to be president."
Why not? Consider that great leaders don't set out to be a leader--they set out to make a difference. Making a Difference could be Oprah's motto. That's how she conducts her life. She also possesses other necessary qualities that the presidency cries for. And those include having a vision, possessing wisdom, integrity, passion, emotional stability, intelligence, ability to inspire and articulately communicate, compassion, open mindedness, and most importantly a desire and ability to learn, grow, and improve.
So albeit without direct political experience it can categorically be stated that an Oprah, certainly not a Trump, mightily fits that bill.
4
Are we that desperate that we know look to Babel for moral authority? Perhaps if shameless and relentless commercialism and self promotion were the currencies of ethics, that would make sense. Hollywood bends whichever way the wind blows. We need to do better.
5
We really need to stop building our house (nation) on sand. We will not survive on words that are simply pleasing along with another leader who has made a living by reading other peoples work (scripts) .
5
Perhaps Oprah (or Hanks or Gates or...) really can Make America Great Again.
1
They might start by making Hollywood great again.
1
It’s rather ironic that Hollywood (the entertainment capital) and New York (the media capital) has punished its most prominent sexual predators, while Washington D.C. (the political capital) continues to procrastinate and prevaricate over its worst offenders. Let’s hope a political tsunami washes out all the sinners in the midterm elections and a more responsible Congress does the rest!
5
As the focus on Hollywood has the nation pining for Hollywood stars to lead our nation, has anyone seen “Darkest Hour”? Gary Oldman won best actor for his role playing Churchill, a deeply flawed politician who came to power when Britain was a deeply divided country. For those who know the rest of the story do we think Errol Flynn would have done a better job? On this side of the pond we are drawn, however, by the power of charisma and millions thought Reagan just a dandy president. And Trump all those years running the apprentice! Putting those examples aside, what is it about men with hair who win at the polls? What chance did a balding Adlai Stevenson have against John Kennedy, a political lightweight but great hair and Hollywood looks. In America fantasy always seems to cast its spell over a shallow thinking electorate.
3
Except Adlai Stevenson did not run against John F. Kennedy. He ran against Dwight Eisenhower (who was bald). But I get what you are saying and agree with much of it.
Some of the speeches are excessively long and self congratulatory for example Nicole Kidman`s very long and pointless one. it was at the beginning and was an yawn moment scary enough to think it that all it is going to be ?
Focusing the camera on Christopher Plummer was a great moment , the gentleman has become an American idol from the days of the Sound of Music.
2
Mr. Plummer is Canadian.
Yes I am aware of that, it was a figure of speech cosideraring the circumstances.
1
As a woman who has worked against sexual assault and discrimination and for women's equality and empowerment throughout my 35-year professional career, I am grateful to see the women in Hollywood finally speaking up. But they didn't invent this movement or the issues. I'd like to see them use the "Times Up" campaign to direct resources - money and vocal support - to the organizations that have been in the trenches working for change since the seventies: Rape awareness and prevention programs, domestic violence organizations and economic development programs working to create an equitable and just society through the social, economic and political empowerment of all women.
4
". . . most women dressed in black, not in mourning but in solidarity, as a way to mark a raised consciousness about sexual abuse and harassment and the fresh determination to fight them."
Dressing in black to show solidarity was elegant, sophisticated and effective. But the moment the message overshadows the show, the winners, their achievements, and the entire purpose of the awards becomes lost. Where is the justice in that?
Honestly, I think entertainers should either stick to their craft and do their politicizing on their own time or run for public office. The point of the MeToo campaign and message was been heard loud and clear for months now. Taking away the spot light of those who deservingly won a Golden Globe is hurtful.
For one night, for a few hours, it would have been nice if the program was focused on the artists who were nominated and awarded a Golden Globe rather than hearing from various "Hollywood Politicians".
2
As we justifiably denounce abuse and congratulate people for speaking out about the treatment of women, we might also avoid the "You men listen up" or 'You men get lost" and "You men shut up" comments as if all men are to blame for whatever we find disturbing, appalling, harmful. To reduce the incidence of sexual harassment, it will mean women and men working together, just as many have worked together in the past to make the workplace and life in general more pleasant. The abuse of power is not limited to males, and some of us (both men and women) can cite instances where working with women has been irritating or abusive. It is not in the cards to totally eliminate misconduct or perceived misconduct. Hollywood DEPENDS on the variations in human behavior for its stories, its roles, its triumphs and disasters. Cheered for her final comment, Oprah Winfrey credited women AND men working together to bring about change.
Doug Giebel, Big Sandy, Montana
9
The bottom line is that those of us on the left care about American values such as freedom and equality. The right wing in America cares about helping the wealthy and appeasing their Russian overlords.
2
Keep telling yourself that. If the left was so committed to equality then how is it that Hollywood is such a bastion of discrimination and inequality?
2
How many of these oh, so enlightened hollywood "elites" were enablers? How many have and will continue to look the other way to maintain their status? I'll take Trump's crude honesty any day.
3
Seriously?
This the industry that has celebrated, produced and filmed everything that is ephemeral and not meaningful about women. They regularly exploit their youth, they toss them away when they turn 35, they channel them into typecast careers - and this is both women and men in senior leadership positions.
Why would anyone look to Hollywood?
They sound and act like Trump - except with better hair
3
Oprah Winfrey has been creating standards of taste, declaring best sellers and directing national awareness for 30+ years from her position of success,wealth and power.
Last night she discovered this brand-new phenomenon of male oppression and sexist behavior and attitudes?
Nonsense.
Perhaps her pronouncements would have some validity if they were prefaced by some sincere apology for ignoring the culture that's been in place and thriving during her entire career and by an accounting for her seeming complicit silence while she prospered in this environment.
4
Hollywood is also the place where this stuff was most rampant so it’s certainly appropriate that they would try to atone..at least in geste. At same time of course it will also make for a great opportunity of self promotion. Hollywood is really rotten to the core and lacks the moral credibility to be taken seriously.
9
Do you suppose that could mean that we should believe Hollywood more than Trump? Is Hollywood stable? Does it have geniuses we don't know about? Does it have stables?
3
It usually starts in Hollywood. This IS the start of a new day.
1
Oprah might have mention that that the DeMille award was named for one of major leaders in installing the Hollywood blacklist who believed anyone who disagreed with him was at least a fellow traveler if not an actual communist. It would have taken real courage for her to point this out. But instead she, as the others did, took the politically correct position and went with the prevailing winds. Kind of like Claude Rain's character in "Casablanca."
8
If the current POTUS lost and the second place candidate won, we wouldn't be having this movement. Think about that....
1
When Spike Lee started directing, America finally got a more authentic version of the black experience in our country, and now so many other black directors have followed and expanded our view of what it means to be African American.
The same can happen for women as more get behind the camera, for though a few men have done a fine job with women's stories, we might find added layers and subtleties that only a woman could provide. Same goes for the scripts that start the whole process.
3
How come no want wants to "expand their view" to include the experience of working class whites over 50 or 55? Why is that "experience" not worth addressing?
Hollywood and reality? That is an oxymoron. A cadre of wealthy urban elites lost in their urban wonderland. Case in point, portray gretuirdious, irresponsible gun violence for profit while demanding gun control. Sick people.
Former long time Los Angeles resident that fled their insanity.
5
I was struck more by the creation of a new Hollywood orthodoxy. Apparently, if there are no women directors, it must be sexism. If there are not enough Black actors, then racism. Thank goodness for Aziz Ansari. Hollywood could pick up a twofer, Muslim family and Asian (though only in America using the 'White Western Patriarchy's' maps could you equate Indians and Chinese. If the world allocated recognition by gender identify/religion/color of skin/ethnicity/region of birth & accent (we can all acknowledge a bias against southerners), poverty, unfair incarceration (this includes all coke dealers), we will need a new scorecard.
2
I didn't watch the program but wonder if any of the speakers mentioned the ultimate damage being done right now by Trump? He may be a disgrace as a racist, mysogynist, homophobe, etc., but he's also devastating any/all laws that protect the environment.
No matter what our experiential or genetic backgrounds of concerns, we're all affected (as our descendants) in the apocalypse he seems determined to create. Why isn't this the ultimate concern? Are Leonardo deCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Darrell Hannah and Matt Damon the only environmental spokespeople we have in Hollywood?
It's time for celebrities to use the bully pulpit to protect the only livable planet we have. Did anyone mention this last night? If not, I wonder why not?
2
"“Wow, the power of women.”
More like the power of publicity when used for self -promotion.
Whatever works! Peter Finch in "Network," told the truth:
"We'll tell you anything you want to hear."
6
American democracy is in the balance.
And Bruni is gloating over the golden globes performances as politics that will save democracy.
Bruni can be counted on as a paradigmatic example of how American democracy came to be in the balance. The guy palled around with George W. Bush and helped sell Bush Jr. to the nation as an alleged reporter.
Now Bruni true to character thinks democracy is about golden globe chatter.
With friends like this, democracy will be eaten alive by fascism.
3
I don't want to hear anything these Hollywood heavyweights (both female and male) have to say until each of them donates at least $5 million to the sexual harassment legal defense fund. And TimesUp is not a movement, it's a marketing tool, which means it's manufactured just like everything else in Tinseltown.
7
Anyone that promoted the book 'The Secret' is not a serious person. Oprah, don't even think about running, we already have a huckster in the white house.
4
It is usually art imitating life, I am struck by the reversal here. Art as both an example and reflection of where we need to go. Though, art has always played a role in embracing diversity of all kinds. I never fully understood moral leadership, the way I do in it's breath taking absence.
1
I'll believe things have changed when women aren't routinely required to take their clothes off onscreen.
9
Of course, as one expects, our knee jerk social media is abuzz with "Oprah 2020". Seriously? She's a nice lady, who does seem to be a decent sort, but we don't need another billionaire entertainer who reads one speech at a phony as it comes awards show to be rocketed to the presidency. That people even seriously consider such a thing shows how inane we have become as a society.
14
A good first step.... sunlight is the best disinfectant - lets hope women keep speaking out in real time so the harassment and abuse comes to light sooner.
1
Oh and how they did talk, those Hollywood elites. The well rehearsed lines delivered so eloquently to the yearning masses. The pearly white teeth, superbly styled hair and makeup and lest us not forget the designer gowns. A true pageantry of wealth and privilege. They talk the Democratic talk in public but back in their mansions surrounded by all their finery they count their gold just like the Republicans, one piece at a time.
9
Perhaps it's me. But could there be anything more ridiculously inappropriate than an industry that has spent decades putting women in push up bras and garter belts, bleaching their hair and fixing their noses so they can have walk on parts in films full of men, lecturing about treating women badly.
We are where we are because of the entertainment industry. They(and the fashion industry) objectified women, turned them into mute dolls and took photos of naked 13 year olds sprawled across beds with a "I am dying for you to be my first" look on their face. They made women things. And nothing they are doing address the real issue which is the constant denigration, mistreatment, inequality and complete deaf ear to what women have to say.
I am offended. We now have a new cause de jour for the vacuous of the entertainment industry. And it won't be long before they become bored and move on.
Their silly party to pat themselves on the back does nothing to further this issue. It's time to stop talking and start acting.
10
Um, i actually think they were acting.
I have two words for everyone that thinks that Oprah qualified to be president.
Trump.
Rauner.
One is destroying our country, and the other is destroying my state.
Being rich doesn't mean you have the faintest clue how to govern. So just stop it.
19
Some of the most disheartening conversations I have had about this subject have been with women. Those women have used the lines: "But they took the money". " They went to a hotel, what were they thinking was going to happen" "They went to a man's house for the weekend?; for business?". As a mature woman in her 50s or 60s it may be easy to dismiss a 20 something as complicit or just plain stupid. But that mindset is so disturbing. "They were having a good old time and now they complain years later when it becomes fashionable to do so." They were having a good old time? with Harvey Weinstein? Please.
We will only have true progress when women support other women. That day has not yet come.
5
After the Golden Globes last night, Oprah Winfrey proved herself to be the Cleopatra of the 21st Century - "a new day is on the horizon" is her clarion call.
Oprah's Globe speech was where the woman met the moment.
1
While I appreciate what Oprah has often brought to the table with movies such as the Color of Purple and Selma, I cannot forget that she helped build Donald Trump's brand. She even had him on her (softball) show in 1988 and asked him if he was considering running for President. Ugh.
There are headlines today that some people want Oprah to run for president. Please no. Enough of this American cult of personality.
I do look forward to Oprah's production (with Ava DuVernay) of a movie about the Central Park Five on Netflix. I assume it will deal with Donald Trump's racist demand for bringing back the death penalty for the five young men.
6
In today's dollars, who would make more money, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, or Albert Einstein.
Not sure but it is not Einstein.
We get what we pay for.
4
Actually, Einstein had a lot of showman in him. I am pretty sure he would be up there on the celebrity circuit if he were alive today.
2
Einstein was an old white guy, so probably most NYT readers think he didn't deserve any money, fame, or admiration.
It is high time that my wife and daughters get to feel as safe and secure as I do when out in public, on bike trails and casual walks. This movement will help to move in that direction.
However, some of the women scantily clad in black dresses did nothing for the cause (Kate Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, et al)! While Oprah was delivering a powerful, if sometimes over the top speech, others sat there in next to nothing as if to mock her.
I have to also say that this notion that every women should be believed is a dangerous one. We do not convict in America without proof of a crime. It has been shameful to watch Al Franken, Garrison Keillor and Tavis Smiley be brought down by a few conservative women who either exaggerated or fabricated claims of sexual harassment. These women are, of course, trying to simultaneously remove key liberal men from public view while bringing down the equality movement. That is not surprising. What is disturbing is that many liberals are giving them approval to do it!
35
So, basically, women should wear burkas? What about what men wear? Do you care? How about gay men who dress flamboyantly? Does that mean they deserve to be raped?
You mention your wife and daughters -- you want them to walk through the world as freely as you do. There is no dress code for you. Please stop and think more deeply about what you really believe. Is it different from what men believe in the Arab world?
I traveled by train in Europe by myself when I was 19 and became bitter -- men harassed me everywhere simply for being alone. I had cut my hair short and wore jeans and a plaid shirt and no make up. But it didn't matter. I was still female -- basically, prey.
Just as you state above, I deserved to be able to travel and explore by myself as now my two sons have as teens -- they have traveled all over India, South America, and they can. I could not - still cannot. Should your daughters be able to? Or do you believe -- as seems to be the unstated belief of men everywhere -- that if they are unaccompanied, whatever happens is their own fault? Whether it is daylight, whether they are dressed like men, whether they are simply longing to explore the world as a boy can? I ask you this in all seriousness because I really don't understand what men think they are saying when they insist women need to dress modestly. That's the burka argument. That's the "women are responsible for men's behavior" argument. Is that really the world you want for your daughters?
6
Let me clarify. I do not believe men EVER have a right or excuse to harass women, regardless of how they dress. We have frontal lobes and should be able to act like evolved beings. However, if someone like Kate Hudson wants respect, she might want to show that she respects herself. I did not see any men at the Golden Globes displaying their bodies in that way. If they did, I would say the same thing about them. So, this is not a burka belief, it is about self-respect. But I will say again that even if someone is scantily dressed, no one has permission to harass her (or him).
I do not believe that most men believe (stated or not) that women should not be able to move about freely without being harassed or worse. I realize that many do not agree with me but I do not know any one who does.
Women are not responsible for men's actions--men are. Frankly, when I see someone dressed like some of those at the Golden Globes (Bianca Blanco for instance), I feel a sense of pity that she does not appear to value herself as being more than sexy. Perhaps she does--I don't know. But what does it say to my daughters? If I had sons, what would it say to them? It certainly sends a confusing message in the current climate, doesn't it? Frankly, a burka sends the same message, just from the opposite end.
Locking the stable door – after the horse has bolted.
“On Sunday night, Hollywood picked up the slack.”
“These homilies had never had such timeliness and urgency and had never been such a resounding answer to silence.”
OK – but why not before? These “homilies” were made by the industry which has contributed the most to the degradation of women. It’s an industry that’s fully aware of what happened to Shirley Temple when she was twelve. And that was in 1940!
There’s been plenty of time for “resounding answers”.
3
At this pivotal, shifting period in our nation's gender consciousness, imagine for a moment how accelerated those positive, long past-due changes would be if, in the White House, there was a First Lady in the mold not only of her immediate, strong predecessor but of many previous determined, outspoken women who occupied that exalted "bully pulpit".
This is not a condemnation of Melania Trump. If the Wolff book is credible, becoming the spouse of a siting President was a tears-inducing nightmare scenario for her. Rather, it is yet another tragic instance in which this amoral, Fake President has so negatively affected the country. Here, his ingrained misogyny, with its glaring characteristic of female control, manipulation, and subjugation, plays out both within and far beyond the family unit.
1
Not just dressed in Black, the women were dressed more modestly overall. We were treated to a night of professional actors who demonstrated that the women attending could appear without exposing flesh carving out new roles for themselves. Women who demand equality do not need to expose themselves as if they were playing the role of a sex object. Last night women said “I am a professional actor” and will not subordinate my self to the likes of Weinstein, Cosby, Trump, O’Reily, Ailes or to the prurient interests of any man.
1
Be assured, Frank Bruni, that 2018 will be "a different story'. The Golden Globes - in black solidarity - are just the latest uprising against the American election of 2016. As Julius Caesar declaimed on 10 January 49 BC, in his hinge of ancient Roman history - when he crossed the Rubicon, starting a civil war - "The die is cast." Hollywoodland, USA, is still the birthplace of dreams born and shattered. In our America today Donald Trump's election as our 45th President was an irreversible act. We still have no idea of the reality of the consequences.
1
Virtue signaling in Hollywood by the overly privileged few is hardly inspirational. Already they regret outing Harvey Weinstein. After last night, it will all be forgotten until the next crisis de jour arrives.
5
More women, than ever before, will be running for office, in 2018. It's a good thing.
6
Decency and Hollywood in the same sentence?
Sorry, I’m not buying it.
Hypocrisy galore and an inveterate disdain for any and all moral values?
That’s the Hollywood I recognize.
13
I'd like to think that industries, like people, are capable of change. Perhaps Hollywood is changing for the better. At least I'd like to hope so, given everything that's hit them in the past year. And in terms of hypocrisy galore and disdain for any and all moral values well, these days we can find that in Washington just as much as we ever could in Hollywood.
1
"But the sartorial departure didn’t pack quite the punch that it was intended to, partly because a monochromatic palette didn’t change the plunging necklines, gaudy jewelry and glamorous fillips of every other awards show. This was more simplification than sacrifice."
If the women in black really wanted to make a statement with a sweeping multi-cultural effect, they would have worn full burkas and sworn off roles that either directly or indirectly portrays them as sex objects.
4
I guess the names of Rose McGowan, Gwynneth Paltrow, Anthony Rapp, Justin Dawes, and several others have achieved Voldemort status in Hollywood.....everyone was sooooo sympathetic but no one dared utter their names.
2
Hollywood fills in for Washington? What Washington doesn't do is govern the country in the interest of its citizens. Hollywood can't draft & enact laws. Moral authority & 50 cents will get you a cup of coffee. Do they change attitudes? Are they role models? They certainly sell themselves as such to half of us, but half us will only buy them as self-interested peddlers of political correctness & self-righteousness. This boat is well-designed not to be rocked. Politics, as Valéry said, is the art of keeping people from meddling in their own affairs. In other words: entertainment. Government, on the other hand, goes on behind closed doors.
4
Now Oprah Winfrey is what we call a truly self made billionaire in classic American style...unlike that man currently in the White House whose daddy gave him 100 million to start off his life and still managed to go bankrupt several times over!!
Get woke America!
4
Well maybe life will start imitating art. With a little bit of luck maybe some of our leaders were watching and will take the hint. After all, rape of our country by Trump and the Republicans has got to be on par with other forms of rape.
Maybe Mueller’s troops can investigate “rape of our country” while they are at it.
1
America elected a misogynist as President. Of course Washington is hostile to women. Elections matter, voting matters.
4
Unfortunately for all of us, 42% of all women and 62% of white women voted for the misogynist. And the woman on the other side was the poorest candidate imaginable.
1
Hollywood is all talk, no action. Our brave president takes action on Jerusalem, North Korea, and Iran. Hollywood just jabbers.
6
Of those, can you remind me which ones are leading us to war and which one just got us condemned by the rest of the world?
I think I prefer the jabbering.
4
Actually, Trump jabbers too, and pretty consistently. And brave? Soldiers in the military are brave. Sexual assault survivors are brave. Firefighters and police officers are brave. Refugees fleeing war zones in life-threatening conditions are brave. The North Koreans who defected to South Korea and were shot running towards freedom were brave. A relative who battled, and ultimately died of, cancer was brave. Donald Trump is not brave, and will never be in the same class as any of these remarkable people, no matter how much false praise you heap on him.
2
Oprah - that speech was as inspiring, hopeful & beautiful as it gets.
Her 1980s tv show was impressive. Oprah was always smart, kind & generous. Who knew she would become what's possibly the greatest American success story of all time? What misery & obstacles hasn't she triumphed over?
Watching her last night was thrilling. Who knew she would become this stunning person, a model of everything great about this country? What a poor abused child born into segregation could become with hard work and the gift of enormous intelligence. Oprah's life is the culmination of the promise we call the American Dream.
The show itself was basically inane. But every moment was worth it to see Oprah Winfrey speak to us from her heart.
Two years ago we had a wise, honest, eloquent president who spoke to us from the heart when things get hard.
I felt similar inspiration from Oprah Winfrey last night.
51
I hope when voters contemplate their choices for our next President the character, intelligence, empathy, compassion, leadership, and the ability to inspire others are among the important characteristics considered as qualifying.
2
"But the sartorial departure didn’t pack quite the punch that it was intended to, partly because a monochromatic palette didn’t change the plunging necklines, gaudy jewelry and glamorous fillips of every other awards show. This was more simplification than sacrifice."
The most striking line to me.
I'm very sorry to write this, but it's very difficult to take sexual harassment of women seriously in an industry that seems to love a parade of naked breasts. These Hollywood award shows often seem like more expensive versions of pornography.
Bruni got it wrong about the interviewers. Not sure what version of the Red Carpet he saw, but I heard plenty of men opining about the movement. It was fun to see these men choose their words with such care.
5
Oprah for president?!?!!? How much more of this entertainment for president can the country take? Oprah like every other person at the GG is an actor, someone paid millions and billions to act as someone else. When is the reality of this farce going to finally stop? She is not qualified, no one at the GG is. We have reached the pinnacle (but maybe not?) of electing the stupidest, scariest, most incompetent president ever. No other president comes close to ruining the US as this animal of ignorance and racism. We don't need more entertainment, we need someone in the WH and someones in Congress to conduct the business of running the country. They can wear all the black they want. It doesn't change the color of the conversation, only put more of the spotlight on them.
19
At least Oprah has the sense to know what she doesn't know and ask for information and help. She is only a phone call away from some of the smartest minds in government, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Hilary Clinton. I'm sure they would be able to help her understand and process any difficulties she might have. And, she has the attention span to actually read reports instead of bullet points.
1
Loved the "Hollywood Foreign Press" joke--three words Trump hates. TeeHee..
2
Let's not say it's "Washington," when it's the Republican Party. They have a president who is an admitted sexual predator (but, strangely most white women voted for him), they have members of Congress like Joe Barton and Blake Farenthold who they, unlike their Democratic counterparts, have refused to force out. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand set the moral standard of "zero tolerance" by rallying most of her female, Democratic colleagues in the Senate to force out Al Franken. Ad for her efforts was sexually slurred by the Predator-in-Chief. Nevertheless, we now have at least one political party that has set a bright moral, scarlet line when it comes to sexual misconduct. So, let's see if the voters now get it and will hold the Republicans "accountable" this November.
President. Oprah. Winfrey.
2
With all the progress, we men with wives and daughters still see the sheer arrogance of some men towards women. This is true particularly when the women are accomplished in their careers yet still face daily political battles against these idiot men in positions of authority. For these men, a successful, accomplished woman is a threat. My observation is these men fear emasculation: Reason goes out the window if it ever existed.
Unequal pay, discrimination, misogyny, sexual harassment all continue unabated. Maybe the Oprah's of the world can enlighten enough of us idiots to make a difference.
#Oprah for President!
2
I dream of the day when Oprah, stands in front of the wall Trump and the Republicans are building says. "Mr. Trump tear down this wall."
2
Kudo's to Oprah for a well timed,meaningful speech. She's certainly a confident, intelligent being with a background steeped in racism, sexism, abuse and poverty. She is an empathetic person because of that.
It struck me this morning, after reading of those wishing she'd run for the Presidency, how much we all hate politicians. That Trump was elected and now Oprah is being talked about demonstrates that there are no politicians inspiring confidence. Bernie maybe, but there are questions about whether he is electable. There are politicians I agree with, but none that I am inspired by or that I would look to for leadership. Obama served just one Senate term and was new enough to not be tainted. Anyone there for more then a few terms now stinks from association.
24
Hollywood is not, and never will be reality. People want high paying jobs and a good life, not fantasy or political correctness,
9
I actually appreciate the Golden Globes this year because WE as Americans are so desperate for some moral leadership. Hearing these women, particularly Oprah, give voice to (some of) what ails us offered a sharp contrast to the daily Tweet drivel that emanates from the White House on a daily basis.
Hollywood is in the business of entertainment and does that well. However, during this time when there is a vacuum of moral/ethical leadership in this nation, it's no wonder that many appreciate the voices we heard from the podium (and elsewhere) last night.
45
You want/expect moral leadership to come from Hollywood?
There are very few communities that place their own self interest and fame over everything else more than they do.
Brilliantly articulated, Sir. I was feeling this as I watched yesterday (fell asleep mid way), but do not possess the skills to verbalize it the way you have.
But, I was not applauding as much as you seem to be. This is the reason art exists, to challenge and provoke. I have had trouble buying into the universal love, affection, respect these artists proclaim toward each other in highly, highly competitive industry; and the deep caring of social issues they proclaim. There are 400 award shows in Hollywood each year; between making movies and congratulating themselves, do they really have band width for socio-politically meaningful issues?
You are suggesting that they regularly take the opportunity to the extent they can, and that virtue signalizing in designer clothes can have a positive impact.
I see now that it can, and it does. Thank you for that.
Kalidan
1
Frankly, I am suffering from fame fatigue and self-aggrandizement of all varieties. Speeches, but for the most eloquent, often are mostly tedious and scripted. New films by women are wonderful, as is a movement to empower all women to stand up for themselves. But what are Hollywood "stars" willing to do for the rest of the country, besides dress up in designer clothes and preach to us all. Maybe they could put just a fraction of their multi-millions per movie salaries into private, well-funded health-care that works for all Americans, or to regional day-care centers for working mothers, or to new schools and hospitals, or to fund college educations or parental learning centers where mothers and partners learn to teach their children well. Maybe some infrastructure rebuilding with those big tax breaks they all are about to receive? Put the money into a large, grants fund. Surely, some are already philanthropists in Hollywood. But what about a concerted effort to change our country by individual and collective action at a time when our government has failed to do so?
Really, so seriously sick of the rich and famous standing up for the downtrodden. Do something besides self-congratulate.
8
Great to see that the subject of harassment and equal treatment (and pay) received their just concentration. The public forum will help the message filter up and down other sectors of the economy, besides entertainment. Hollywood won't make the change, but can deliver a message.
Washington is reactive - they focus on the subject du jour, rather than thinking strategically about what's best for our economy and citizenry. This whipsawing is in part due to a unnatural focus on the immediacy of social media.
The hard work will be done in the general economy, as women run more companies, take an increasing percentage of board seats, and receive more funding for their enterprises. That will be great thing.
2
Wonderful that so many women -- and men -- were united in speaking against abuse, sexism, racism, etc. However, I'm just a little dismayed that Mr. Bruni is heaping way too much praise and importance on a group of highly paid performers. As much as they claim it's a needle-moving and social agenda-pushing field, it's ultimately a world of illusion, ambition, attention-grabbling and greed. Sounds like another group of people I know: professional politicians. Nevertheless, if the all-black-clad, plunging necklined, bejeweled out-of-touch bubble event inspires someone to go out and make a serious dent in inequality and abuse of power I say go for it. Personally, I'd rather know that a teacher, a doctor, a social worker, a policeman, a scientist -- of any and all backgrounds -- is a louder and more effective role model. In the interim, however, I guess we should be grateful for fleeting words of inspiration from the primped, polished and teleprompted.
37
The "primped, polished and teleprompted" have far more exposure through media to communicate an important social message. And that they did.
Yes, we all can communicate that same message in our private lives; however, our private influences only reach a limited population. It all starts at the top. Hollywood and television in the U.S. exert an enormous social influence, and this has not been lost on the #TimesUp movement and the actresses and actors who publicly support the movement.
3
There are teachers, doctors, social workers, policemen, and scientists who ARE more effective role models. They just aren't given a nationally televised platform to honor their leadership or example. They aren't millionaires or billionaires who star in or direct movies for the public's entertainment. They are the ones who serve the public in meaningful, essential ways, but are not, if ever, acknowledged for the work they do in such a way as to garner the kind of attention that the Golden Globes bring. As the saying goes, if you can read this, thank a teacher. You can't thank an actress for that.
What I find interesting is the lack of concern or interest in the many women who have a more nuanced view and disagree with the feminist view of these actresses. There's a lot of women actually turned off by this because of so much fakeness and hypocrisy. Yes, there's been a few stories but let's not forget that it was women who got Trump elected. And it surely doesn't seem to be bringing liberal and conservative women together. Even causing split factions among liberal women. Work on the ever-growing divide among all women.
2
The show of solidarity was impressive, but here on the Westside of Los Angeles we were more concerned about the snarled traffic as a result of the closing of Wilshire Boulevard to accommodate all the limos.
5
Good grief, it was like pushing on an open door. Self congratulatory virtue is considered to be the summit of courage?
11
Hopefully the best thing to come out of the Weinstein affair is that young women realize that they cannot take for granted the gains made by women in the past. They must acknowledge and fight for rights seemingly obtained and taken for granted years ago.
31
The women who had the courage to fight back are taking a back seat while the establishment pats their fat cats on the back is ironic. Can Oprah who has been a part of Tinseltown since her part in The Color Purple truly say she just became aware of the lay of the land in Hollywood. Cecil B. Demille was a tyrant in the industry and the whole thing reeks of hypocrisy. We have a celebrity in the White House now and after a speech at the awards another celebrity is being called on to run. Makes one yearn for the good old days of boring people running the government.
4
Kudos on “lay of the land.”
2
Oprah Winfrey is a master in expressing deep emotions but always inside the box. No new ideas, no originality.
7
While Hollywood is patting itself on the back, it should also consider that one of its big winners of the night was Big Little Lies, which (if we are frank) presented a titillating and voyeuristic portrayal of spousal abuse.
How many times did viewers need to see Nicole Kidman naked in the shower to get the idea that she had been bruised? How explicit did the post-abuse sex have to be to get the point across? Was getting most of the cast naked really the most empowering way to portray the female leads?
Hollywood definitely needs to take a hard look at how the works they are producing aligns with the values they are espousing.
8
What about the fact that millions of Americans are too poor to pay for cable movie channels or streaming services in the first place? What good does all this entertainment industry preening do these Americans?
5
How do real working women feel about the speeches and black gowns of these movie stars?
12
As a 64-year-old 'date rape' survivor, I applaud the efforts of Hollywood to bring the scourge of sexual harassment to light.
However: until and unless we prosecute the admitted sexual predator in the Oval Office, these efforts stand as surrogates for deserved national outrage.
Lock him up. Lock him up.
NOT my president
6
It is difficult to take the message of sexual harassment seriously when an actress like Eva Longoria is falling out of her dress. She was not alone in showing off her assets. I turned this show off not too long after it started as it was exceedingly boring and dull. It did not help that I was not familiar with most of the shows playing.
8
A few comments, imo, they are three issues brought up here, two legit and one bogus.
1-Mr Bruni is right. On one side Hollywood preaches about equality but the violence trash in general put out by Hollywood and gun violence in particular, some of it, promoted vs. women is the height of hypocrisy.
Do something about that.
2-Whenever you get whole categories, if I am not wrong, the director category last night where all the nominees are one gender (as the host mentioned), you have to look at the issue of discrimination.
However, you don't want to issue quotes where all winners are half male and female. They is equally as bad.
3-The bogus issue is the me-too thing. The hypocrisy on stage reminded me of the co dependent/enabling abused wife who rants and raves against her abusive husband and then goes back to him.
Sexual harassment has been out lawed since app. 1980. Many, many women have sued and won including many in the corporation I worked in.
Hollywood/Hollwywood. backers are filled with enablers and co dependents, yes including many women like M. Streep and Hillary who overlook the abuse for various reasons.
Predators will always be there. The way to paint them into a rare corner is to stop enabling and co depending on them.
The NYTimes finally printed a non PC story the other day about women who had private miss givings re the Me Too movement. Keep it up.
5
Thank you Mr. Bruni for pointing up the sartorial choices of many of the attending women. Every time you put on clothes you make a choice and a statement. What statement were women making when they showed up with significant portions of their breasts exposed? To me it sends a pretty mixed message. This does not mean I think they all should have shown up in burkas or chardors but a little dignity would have been nice when dignity is in short supply these days. I am a feminist who believes this is a moment not to be squandered by wearing as you said gaudy jewelry and plunging necklines.
9
Forced diversity, like it's predecessor, forced bussing in schools, is a mindless do-gooder movement that ends of doing no good. There is no "diversity is our strength" as the frequently repeated liberal babble proclaims. People are fee to choose who they want to associate with and what movies the want to watch and liberal theories of what they should be doing, or what the politically correct way for them to live their lives is, are total bunk.
4
Winfrey / Hanks the ticket for 2020 then.
Step up, people.
4
That would guarantee Trump a 2nd. term. Haven't we had enough of rich celebrity presidents? How about someone who is actually qualified, for a change.
3
If we all (and the press) treated the good women in politics like rock stars, we would not have to resort to movie and television stars as candidates for the presidency. (You can just hear the call for Oprah in the White House now...)
33
I like your idea of treating good women in politics like rock stars. Yes! I'd add women in business, medicine, science, education, etc. to that. I'm not clear whether you meant that Oprah is only a movie and television star. She also built and runs a large, successful company that is a collection of multiple businesses. She led a project that built a girls' school in Africa 10 years ago. Known as "Mama O" to the students, some of the girls are in college and careers now while new students come in each year. She has listened to people speak about every relevant issue over the decades of The Oprah Show and through her thoughtful inquiry, we viewers around the world learned about those topics along with her (I recorded her show daily). In that role, she was far more a teacher and facilitator and learner than a television star. Think of the stamina it took to prepare for and do that show every day while running the business behind it along with other projects she always had in progress. She gives generously from the wealth she has built, which itself sparks commerce and employment. She's an avid reader and powerful, articulate communicator whose every word is subject to scrutiny. She is, and always has been, a black woman and knows all that goes with that. She's a kind, intelligent person with a great sense of humor and a good balance of fierceness and humility. When I consider qualities that I'd like to see in a president, I can check a lot of the boxes with her.
Yes, I know all that. Admirable woman. But I think we need to realize that the US presidency has a job description with specifications that cannot be filled by people without elected political experience.
Frank Bruni wrote an interesting column which mostly appreciated except when he remarks that women wearing black, but had plunging necklines and gaudy jewellery and somehow this diluted the effect they were trying make.
Mr. Bruni is objectifying women not doing enough ,focusing on what the women were wearing does not cut it. The fact that this was an event planned with a great deal of work and support should be enough, but evidently not for him. He seems to feel they felt short. I am disappointed with this type of attitude
3
Hollywood, and these silly awards specifically, are a farce and nothing more but an opportunity for self serving actors to grandstand in front of each other and see who "cares the most".
I would question the mental fitness of anyone who would waste three hours of their time watching that drivel.
Rather watch paint dry.
14
These actors all had Trump on their brain. The visceral hatred for Trump's agenda which he is now ramming down democrat throats is apparently quite upsetting. Seth Meyers was the perfect host. Brash. Liberal. Not funny. His classless demeaning of Trump in the 2016 dinner enraged him so much he decided to run. Thank you Seth. Elections have consequences. Trump won. Deal with it.
5
Yes - we are dealing with the Trump win. How're your taxes for 2018 looking in Long Island? Hope you are happy paying more for the benefit of the 0.1%.
1
You described the make-believe situation at a crossroads between the sane Hollywood purpose to entertain with fiction, versus the dangerous credulity needed to trust our vulgar bully in the Oval Office, as he spews lie after lie that, by sheer repetition, becomes the 'dogma truth' to his misinformed 'base', and where fiction and facts are unhappily married and seeking divorce. That Trump is a demagogue and charlatan leaves no doubts; but the alliance forged with his enablers, complicit in his misrule, remains a mystery of sorts, as they do not seem shy in condemning his stance as a moron in private, while kissing his behind in the open. At the Golden Globe's awards, the inequality between men and women, even if not expressed specifically, does remain, to our collective loss. Trouble is, in our western culture, 'individualism' and male entitlement to say the last word remains the order of the day. Instead, consider the wisdom of the Andean mountain folks (native Indians), living in small groups (Aillus) where the woman-man vision is it's 'duality', where both are entirely equal, opposites and yet fully complementary, consulting each other for any major decision, and enjoying their, however simple, life, as they feel at one with nature. Could we, 'westerners', aspire to this ideal? I doubt it, as our ego is too inflated for that, where humility has no room, and where freedom and justice, and the social peace derived from it, are just a distant dream, too good to be true.
1
True hypocrisy from the flake heads in Hollywood. I remember the non-enity, third-rate actress, Streep, supporting Polanski.
7
Sterling K. Brown was a class act with his amazing speech and yes I do watch the show " This is Us", where the story line is amazing and finding Mr. Brown to act the part was brilliant. So was the gentleman why was his father, what a show !
I missed the Oprah`s speech but I will listen to it now but the opening monologue was also great as they chose the perfect host Seth Meyers as so many of us remember his slight to then reality star trump.
Unfortunate the Country was foolish enough to reject the Woman Hillary and went with trump the accidental President.
And so trump the idiot is in a path of destruction.
3
Oprah? Well, why not? As a lifelong lib since JFK, I have no problem with the presidential contest becoming one where celebs compete to see whom should lead US. Blame it on, Republicans. They decided to nominate a complete imbecile, a misogynistic, racist, nincompoop for the presidency. Republican leaders in the summer of '16 in Cleveland knew what they were doing. They knew by then what Trump is. They didn't give a hoot. Winning is all that matters.
If that be the case, then why not the Dems have a go of it? We'll match the Repuns celeb for celeb. And we'll win because we've got a lot more first class famous people, more witty, more intelligent, then Republicans can corral. There's something about the celebs Republicans attract. They tend to be either B List has-bean's or bible-quoting, raving loons (eg.: Duck Dynasty). I'd put Oprah against any one of them. Let the games, and the ratings wars begin. The one with the biggest "numbers" wins. Sound good?
DD
Manhattan
2
I realize many of the criticisms of the Golden Globes attendees and speakers were warranted. But here in DC the groper-in chief gets away with bragging about his predatory practices and gets away with it.
Wouldn’t it be nice if his enablers, let alone the sycophants in congress and the Cabinet ever spoke up about the many abuses in the government from the top down. These are the people sworn to defend the constitution. They have disgraced themselves and betrayed their oath of office.
Hollywood is trying to breathe fresh air. What about the officials in our government. Time’s up here too.
83
November, 2018. Be there or be square.
For those of us who have turned our backs on American television as a huge time-waster, we hear about these contrivances such as awards and have to ponder their meaning from one remove. All this geschrei about the empowerment of women should make Americans think only that without the contribution of women to our economic activities, America would soon totter and fall. Women need something like a trade union for themselves to enforce their gender's gains in status since 1960, or else all will be lost and we will indeed enter a "Handmaid's Tale" society...
2
It is not only Trump who is a misogynist, it is also the Republican party. They have very little respect for women and their needs and their voices.
6
So Weinstein and the rest of the Hollywood crowd, preying on women, are all Republicans?? Sorry, being an abusive power has nothing to do with one's political affiliation.
1
Republicans have conducted their war on women for decades now. they are a patriarchal party.
I'm not a Republican and certainly not a Trump supporter but it's amazing how Democrats have such blinders on when it comes to the behavior towards women. The Weinstein contribution signot was a "Blue" one.
It's interesting that Congress now appears to be getting a "pass" on their behavior behind closed doors while spending the taxpayers money to suppress and condem their accusers. For now last night was a bandaid nothing more.
1
Nothing men do is good enough, no matter what we do it will never be good enough. And if I have to hear another billionaire lecture us mere peasants again I am going to be sick. Who watches these award shows anyway, nobody I know.
12
Oh, get over yourself. Men being admonished for committing, aiding, and/or abetting sexual harassment and assault is not in any way comparable with decent men being carelessly snubbed as "not being good enough". Men who commit sexual assaults or help abusers who do so are not good men, period.
And clearly you were watching this awards show, or at least reading about it, if you're here moaning about the "billionaire" whose "lecture" made you queasy. Since you brought up the topic of billionaires, a fair number of them, including the high and mighty "stable genius" who currently sits in the Oval Office, have been accused of committing some of these assaults. Given that, I think you can spare five minutes for another billionaire to speak about how the harassment and marginalization of women, and anyone else for that matter, is wrong.
1
I worry that America is going to become a fascist state with Trump in office, but events like the Golden Globes give me hope that once Trump is out of office we will have a better country.
4
Wait! Last night was the Golden Globes Awards? I thought I was watching either "Face the Nation" or "Meet the Press".
In all seriousness, from the moment Nicole Kidman made her excessively long acceptance speech, I knew the evening was going to be purely politics and social reform. Last year's Academy Awards show was over the top with politics and pot shots aimed at Donald Trump. Last night's show was yet another platform to present, educate and pontificate on the role and often times lack there of women's true measure of talent and skill in the entertainment field.
For politics and social issues to dominate and overshadow the focus of these award shows, fewer and fewer viewers will be tuning in down the road. I watch to be primarily entertained, not educated. Heck - that's why I subscribe to the NYT and read Frank Bruni's columns religiously (no offense with the religious crack) - to be educated.
The highlight of the evening was watching and listening to Oprah Winfrey. Always a class act with such natural ability to speak from the heart with the utmost of sincerity. I thought the best line of the night was when Seth Meyers said Cecil B. DeMille should be honored that Ms. Winfrey was receiving the award.
2
One, and perhaps the only one, benefit of our Administration is that we, as Citizens, cannot now delegate the elucidation and activation of morality and ethics to our elected leaders, since many of our highest officials are neither moral nor ethical. If we are to have an ethical Country based upon what is responsible, respectful, and fair, we must provide it, as active and educated Citizens, for ourselves.. And we all know it. The reinforcement of an ethical democracy must come from the bottom up, not only from the top down. We will grow as a People, and grow as a Country, I fervently hope, through each of us accepting this most important of responsibilities as citizens. As is said colloquially, and rightly: This, my fellow Americans, is where the rubber meets the road.
1
"virtue signaling in Valentino" does not make a lick o' sense.
4
A wave of nausea.
What drives Frank Bruni to be so enraptured by sycophantic pronouncements that accomplish nothing, distort reality and serve to reveal the utter moral bankruptcy of a most limited group of pseudo-intellectuals?
He is the poster child of the "Peter Principle", should have stuck with food, a more basic challenge than real thinking.
10
Hmmm, if one is concerned about "sycophantic pronouncements" perhaps your focus should be the halls of Congress in DC, rather than the Golden Globes.
1
Last night Oprah Winfrey catapulted herself onto the American political stage, hopefully more than ready to assume the presidency if she can be persuaded to do so. That woman has it all - sophistication, heart, intelligence, experience in the public eye and above all sanity! She reads, she comprehends, she thinks, she knows the ways of the world and is comfortable with people both famous and obscure. She may be the most capable and untarnished outsider candidate I've ever run into in my 78 years as an American voter!
8
The extent of her education is a Communications Degree from Tennessee State University. I like Oprah, but in my heart of hearts I have to concede that she exhibits no understanding or experience in the kinds of legal, policy, foreign affairs or military matters that a President needs to have.
17
Ms. Moore - I love your enthusiastic and rousing endorsement of Ms. Winfrey. But the one KEY and most critical credential which was not included is political experience!!! Granted, he art and gift of speaking and diplomacy is incredible. But she has no more experience in the political arena than does the current president. And look where that's gotten us.
Ms. Winfrey's words and passion and message were truly inspiring. But one gifted orator and moving speech does not an effective President make. I think it's easy and natural to get caught up in the moment. But a moment is all that is was. I apologize if I offended you.
5
After Trump that no longer seems to be a barrier. At least Oprah is mentally stable. That's a big plus nowadays.
"....the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth." These were the eloquent words of Oprah Winfrey when referring to a free press under siege. Yes, in true Hollywood fashion the Golden Globes gave voice to all that is wrong and unjust with this present DC administration and its paradigm. And, yes, it was tasteful in as much that no "names" were mentioned and with no vitriol. But with each acceptance speech we knew the truth within what was said. Impressive indeed. But if we need to take away anything from yesterday's Golden Globes, it would be the image of a Black woman who knew oppression and suppression, yet plodded along with perseverance and courage. She and those who came before her of whom she spoke, women, men, AND Black, are templates of what must be done to bring honor back to our diverse and dynamic democracy.
5
We need brilliance of President Obama and his administration, substance over empty statements. We don't need people who are in this for themselves. We have been talking about this new day for decades, and we are still homeless, hungry our children are still being treated as inferior, Baltimore public schools had no heat where are the minority directors, cameramen, designers etc. in surplus. We are still working three jobs with the GOP giving themselves the biggest tax break ever. We will need action if and whenever we reclaim these political seats.
3
So eight years of Obama still produced the litany of woes you cite and you want more of the same "brilliance"?
11
Wisdom teaches: where there is no vision, a people perish. Hollywood helps us to envision reality. It helps us to imagine the ought inside the is. However, it fails us when its imagination is stunted.
In 40 years of Star Wars, there has been no significant black woman character. The latest movie was the first time a woman of color played a major part. The Game of Thrones cannot image a high born black woman or a black house that would be a significant element of the story. Mad Men could not imagine black people in New York city in the 1960s as anything other than servants or a fleeting love interest for loser white men.
We, the audience, ought to demand better. It is not enough for people of color to demand more diversity, we need our white allies to also speak up and demand better. It is not enough for women to demand more and better roles, we need our male allies to speak up as well.
2
Sharon Duncan-Brewster would disagree with you. She was in charge of the rebellion for goodness sake.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1004267/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t20
1
Not only are there entirely black tv networks, but there are (mandatory?) African American characters on almost every network show and AA anchors on news shows. In contrast, there are NO networks for senior Americans, and NO positive senior characters AT ALL on network shows. Just trying to put your complaints in realistic perspective.
2
Washington is not about entertainment, unless you consider a snake oil salesman's wagon performance as family night out. We need Hollywood. We need to wield the powerful communication family that is represented by Hollywood to step up and lead the call for moral direction that is quite literally void in the realm of politics today.
1
Ahh, but in this virtual era - what is believed, is truly what is real.
America has really always been what we can believe in - that is what has brought out our finer selves, and will going forward. Follow California - from 'entertainment verite' to Sacramento's State Halls to the birthplace of the Digital Revolution.
One thing for sure is that Trump could never make a speech with as much substance and so well presented as Oprah. She's right, his "time is up". Impeach him Congress.
5
She sure can deliver a good script and I sincerely hope that Oprah "is right" and that Trump's time "issue up" in The People's House. But jeeze, "Oprah for President," stop it.
4
I take some issue with the authors words about the "plunging necklines" black dresses. Who cares - must women dress in burkas? It is not a double standard to believe we should live in a world where women should be able to dress any way they please - sufficient to the weather, the event, (this was an evening awards show after all) and not have that style turned against them. To me the color black denotes a time of grief - so THAT I assume was the statement. Grief for the history of abuse of young women (and some men), in Hollywood, and grief for the horror we watch every day now coming out of the White House.
Hollywood is after all an artist community, and art should never be boring. Why should the clothing be boring? Shaming women about showing skin is actually part of the problem.
151
I think the question is how much these women are leveraging the overt sexuality and misogynistic assumptions that they spent the night decrying. If women are to be judged by their brains instead of their bodies, why are they going to such extents to flaunt the latter?
4
What an excellent point!
2
I did not read any "shaming" whatsoever in this article. Mr. Bruni referenced the fashion and an obvious tendency for flamboyance in dress that is fairly obvious at these awards ceremonies. Pick your battles, please.
1
Oprah for President. Why not??? It would be impossible to do WORSE than the current occupant. Seriously.
6
Actresses competing for attention in revealing outfits while taking a stand against objectifying female sexuality. So Hollywood.
21
For the millionth time, and in big, bold capital letters: a woman's attire has nothing to do with whether or not sexual assault is wrong (it always is), and said attire is not a litmus test as to whether a particular woman has a right to make a statement against sexual abuse. Plunging necklines do not a hypocrite make.
Even if those actresses you malign were wearing nothing on that red carpet, they would still have every right to declare that the sexual assault and objectification of anyone is wrong and has no place in modern society.
1
Modern day Hollywood and the term "moral authority" is an oxymoron if there ever was one!
14
So is Washington politics. As we have seen in the past year, no morals there.
1
seriously? Hollywood is THE serious place? Talk about self indulgent vacuous people. They are doing this only so they can seem cool and attract more attention, like light to a moth. We are in deep trouble if we have to look to these people for any serious role models.
17
The actors seem more intelligent and more serious than the buffoons in Congress. If Trump can become President, anyone can handle the job.
If they "seem more intelligent and more serious" perhaps it's because they're ACTORS - they're carefully practiced and train to convey whatever emotion the script calls for. But please, don't confuse that with actual intelligence, empathy or skills!
3
I still believe that as strategy of identity politics AND a kind of "50 state" tactic is the key to changing things in the political power arena--Congress. That strategy and continued, active resistance, as demonstrated in part at that awards ceremony. Each part is necessary but not sufficient. Both, together, will win.
1
No one mentioned Trump. Brilliant. The way to destroy him is to ignore him. Check out his AM tweets.
4
"What are you wearing?!"
"A contrived posture of political and social activism that I only adopted after it became fashionable in order to boost my sagging brand, all while ignoring that "Hollywood" itself has been the principal exporter and re-enforcer of misogyny and insulting and harmful depictions of women possibly in the history of planet Earth - thank God people haven't gotten "woke" to the fact that I make more money shooting some talking baby movie than most people could earn in 10 lifetimes!"
12
Summary of the Golden Globes: A bevy of possibly the most self important hypocrites in the world, whose industry for 60 years has objectified women in their "art". Many of these women have benefited in a spectacular way from this, becoming Hollywood "stars", wealthy, famous, admired.
They now decide after they ignored a serial sexual assaulter in their midst and let him be a titan of their industry for 20 years that they are now going to right this wrong by wearing revealing black gowns and making heartfelt speeches. They will also fix things by promoting the denial of any due process or defense, and the destruction of the career of any man who is accused of any offense based on a code of conduct that they decide. The accusation may be anonymous, unsubstantiated, and it can be 30 years old. It can be rape or mere touching, we must lump this all together and there can be no differentiation, the ultimate penalty of never again working applies here too in every case.
Next we have Ms Moss, a wonderful actress, but follower of Scientology, a cult well known for its abusive behavior toward its members, claiming her Me Too moment. And the finale, the magnificent Oprah, with her moment of glory, revered as God and the next President in the twitter sphere by her enraptured minions. There is hardly anyone I can think of who has a more inflated sense of self importance than her. A good choice to lead this crew.
What a perfect night!
18
Why not her, when we have a less worthy of a leader in the WH? At least O. had been through all of the hardships of sexual abuse, race, struggles in workplace. She’s been there done that compare to the present “comm. in chief ‘ who inherited and daddy bought everything for him.
Seriously? Going through hardship doesn't qualify you for being President. She has even fewer qualifications than Trump, and that's basically saying she has none.
She does share the same inflated ego and self importance of Donald though. I saw her give the commencement speech at Duke years ago, mostly about herself, and it included a 15 minute discussion about her private jet and how wonderful it was, and how amazing it was that she had one. Really inspiring stuff. Not. She won't run, she would love the adoration but wouldn't want to do the work, and would hate being criticized.
It was inspiring to see a woman of color rise from humble beginnings to a position of power. Congratulations to Dwayne Johnson’s daughter for being named a Golden Globe Ambassador!
4
They're just trying to jump to the head of the parade. It's just too cynical. They knew what was going on there, and said nothing, for decades before the NYT broke the Weinstein story a few months ago. So now, they're like all morally outraged - and they probably rehearsed it before they went on the air. They're actors!
17
Wearing black. Ho hum. Someone did not wear black and she was ostracized. And many if not most, revealed a great deal of flesh. Modesty please. Oh, but then that doesn't sell one's self and movies.
Wearing black. Why not reject those awards?
Wearing black. Publicity stunts.
Wearing black. Talk is cheap.
Wearing black. Real action is difficult and more than words.
Wearing black. Why not boycott these self serving public affairs.
11
because it is a PLATFORM where a message can be sent out with millions watching and listening . . . wheels of progress turn slowly (painfully so), but remember how long it took for women to vote, for blacks to vote and the civil rights bill to pass . . . we have to start somewhere and Hollywood gets the attention that moves us further along into conversations where action can be taken
1
Debbie, and now Oprah is running for president of the United States. Let's get real.
It may have been a "platform" but it's real purpose was to continue the vanity of the players.
It's kind of like the Million Women March last year.
Haven't heard much since then. The proof will be the elections in 2018.
Is it so surprising that the patriarchal fixation with controlling women has a firmer grip in Washington than in Hollywood?
Hollywood is usually thought of as "left leaning", whereas Washington today "leans right", with a GOP presidency, senate and congress.
Both Hollywood and Washington produce product that reflects not so much how things are, but what people most want it to be.
Hollywood makes product for the world, whereas Washington functions mostly for itself and its members, people who can afford the membership fees to enjoy the amenities of the clubhouse.
The stories told in Hollywood are a journal of the American mind. The dreams, aspirations, delusions, prejudices, biases, and moments of grace. It's all in there.
It may not seem so as often or as plainly, but the same is true of Washington.
1
Yes, Mr. Bruni, I agree that, "Movies and the rest of the entertainment industry have done more to promote degrading, confining stereotypes of women than to shatter them."
Today television is worse than ever. The reason is a few insatiably greedy power mongers have gotten control of OUR entertainment/communications complexes and those MEN - and their handmaidens - do not want women to have any power. It's been the same since religious organizations, especially the catholic church, got control of the written word when the printing press was invented. Today's male backlash against women's rights in The United States of America started with Nixon/Reagan and has been ramped up with Wall Street's internet/social media and control of communications.
However, it has not and will not stop Socially Conscious Women and Men from stepping up and taking one-half the power in the The United States of America - and the world - to bring balance to every segment of society.
NOW is the time! BEFORE The Con Don and his International Mafia Robber Baron brethren can start WW3. Hit the streets January 20/21.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/WomensMarch2018USA/events/
7
The ignoring of Trump and not mentioning his name, something the Oscars should repeat, the wonderful speech by Oprah Winfrey, the emotionally truthful, enjoyable and illuminating acceptance remarks by Nicole Kidman, Allison Janney and Frances McDormand all made the Golden Globes a pleasant show and tastefully drove home the "Me Too" message. However, there was one stain on the show. James Franco, a decent actor, incomprehensibly humiliated and abused Tommy Wiseau both by not letting him speak in front of the audience and then when he thought the cameras were off stalked off the stage with the on camera smile replaced by a scowl and complete dismissal of Mr. Wiseau who was not invited back stage. This is important because a show dedicating itself to a major public issue as well as the honoring of its winning participants, was compromised by enhancing a perception that on camera behavior full of over the top flattery is contradicted by the off camera reality.
5
Oprah Winfrey likes role models. Maybe a reasonable second choice. It's all about parents. For example, people like Trump and Bannon almost always are examples of negative experience during their initial few years. It's difficult to overcome once they are 6 or 7 years old. It's a sad story.
2
Kudos to those Hollywood notables who gave coherent, inspirational speeches urging action against nefarious problems,
Unfortunately, what those movie folks did was to expose the sad fact that far too many of America’s “political stars” have succumbed to the trumpist cabal, and thus have abandoned their oath of office.
Oprah Winfrey is a strong advocate for a return to the humanity prevalent in America before the current regime. But she is not a Stateswoman.
What America needs now are Statesmen/Statewomen.
Citizens whose patriotism is to America first, not political Party.
It is time to roll up our sleeves and work hard to put our beloved nation back on track, away from the authoritarian mantra currently being enforced.
6
There's one profound difference between Hollywood or corporate activism and what's passing for our federal government. Hollywood is beholden to their audience and consumers, where as the federal government is beholden to lobbyists and political owners.
Two decades ago it would've been unthinkable to have two people (Koch brothers) publicly bribe an entire political party with $400 million dollars, so they can get their laws passed. But, in corporate America you saw box office numbers tank for certain films or products withdrawn over public outcry.
Some might dismiss Hollywood activism as publicity stunts, but when it moves beyond hashtags and into real world action, change happens faster than in Washington.
2
It's fair to compare Hollywood to D.C. because they both float in murky waters of self-service and self-indulgent. It's a struggle to feel compassion for any of these privileged, self-congratulating people. Most of these celebrities on both coasts continue to lose support of the people of this country who want to see genuine changes - not just for the often-cheesy people who already have it all (or think they do).
5
I suppose it's better than nothing, but Hollywood speeches and muted glamor will do little to change the world. While women and people of color have made halting progress in Hollywood, women and people of color in the rest of America are unemployed, underpaid and over-incarcerated.
The monstrosity of wealth inequality, the power of money in politics and the crass commercial culture we have begun are at the root of America's demise. The majority of Hollywood creatures are cheek to jowl with oligarchs, marketing and branding their way to greater wealth and notoriety. Changing the cleavage celebrating gowns to black or trotting out Oprah will not change the world.
Hate to rain on the parade, but this is mostly self-gratification, full of its own Fire and Fury and signifying very little.
89
yeah, but 15 Million is a start when it comes to "putting your money where your mouth is" to help those who do not have resources for their legal battles with discrimination, harassment and assault Just sayin'
1
Well, yeah, but . . . $15 million is a drop in her estimated $2.8 billion bucket, although I don't dismiss the sincerity of her commitment. But she is, as I noted, cheek to jowl with oligarchs and made her fortune the American way - branding and crass commercialism. I just don't see her as a heroine or the solution to social injustice.
Great review and opinion. The show felt 'low key' too. To some, maybe even a little boring. Progress will be iterative. Lot's of talk, followed by actions and reactions. Then more talk, then more actions. I am not sure there's a 'same page' that people are on. Many average citizens still aren't clear about what's flirtation vs predatory behavior, for example. Moet and puritanism aren't easy message to blend or send. But keep talking. Let's see how the future unfolds. Great opinion.
3
I'm older than Mr. Bruni by more decades than I care to admit in writing. I go back to FDR. Even so last January's "inaugural speech [was] of darker bile and greater bunk than any in my lifetime" either -- by a very long shot. This might even be do if my lifespan were to date back to George Washington.
Like Mr. Bruni, I also "hope that 2018 will be a different story." If so, it would be a mighty tiny portion of the year. For it to happen at all, Congress will need to change hands in both houses. I dare to hope with extremely modest expectations.
11
Inspiring phrases and promises come from all directions .Hollywood, politicians, journalists and writers perform some version of what America wants itself to be.
In words. The distance between such words and the deeds has been huge and is growing for at least 100 years now.
How come?
1
There is something disturbing about valuing the wisdom that comes out of life imitating art and regaling celebrity who are most likely front and center for their beauty first.
8
I'll know we're all woke when my public school administrators tell me why they paid a younger white male science teacher more than an older female author with lots more experience.
5
Thank you Oprah and Natalie for all but guaranteeing a Best Director nomination for Greta Gerwig.
6
Hollywood's artistic expression by mostly men seems to have gone stale and boring - with formulaic story lines, super heroes, and such. It is time to refresh Hollywood with the ideas and stories that women can bring to the table.
6
This is simply an exercise akin to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circuses. They have a ring-leader (host) then they parade these trained "acts" across a stage and people applaud. I don't think they realize that most of the world see them as circus animals. And I am pretty sure Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey no longer exists because the public lost interest and decided it was abuse.
7
sorry,Mr.Bruni,Hollywood pictures are without a single doubt the worst exploiters
of women in the history of this country.
In the overwhelming majority of adult
movies,and I don't mean pornography,
women are portrayed as little more than
sexual window dressing, only there to
initiate the mandatory naked love scene.
they are the last people to lecture anyone
when waitresses and cleaning women
and secretaries are being routinely abused
every day.I have not watched an award show
In many years, but I saw enough of this one
to see the moral crusaders of Hollywood
dressed in their see through black dresses
and plunging necklines make sexual
spectacles of themselves while giving
interviews to fawning reporters about
harassment. true change will come when
MEN AND WOMEN use self restraint,decency
and dialogue to make it a lasting, normal
way of conducting business.
7
There is a reason Hollywood is stepping forward and Washington is not. Hollywood is aiming to address the abuse and inequality that has stained it. Washington looks to stay the course. Despite its horrible sins, Hollywood has celebrated its diversity and demands change. Washington works to get around diversity and tries to make it look like change is in the planning, when nothing could be further from the truth. Hollywood provides an opportunity for America and the world to look in the mirror. Washington smashes the mirror. The reality is Washington did everything to erase the history of Barack Obama. It would attempt to do exactly the same thing to any female president. Hollywood is showing the world how to take down the roadblocks that block the way forward. Washington builds moats filled with swampy water and covers them with leaves so it looks like there is no obstacle to change. Oh but there is.
10
The hypocrisy is just overwhelming. Oprah Winfrey has been a very very powerful woman for a very long time. So why, pray, did she not speak up 5, 10, 15 years ago? What was she afraid of? The same applies to the other holier-than-thou superstars of Hollywood - Streep, Hanks, et al. Jumping on the bandwagon is well and good when everyone is doing it, but how about showing some courage when it would have actually, you know, been courageous to do so?
14
She did. I guess you didn't listen.
4
She did? I just did a search on "Oprah Winfrey confronts Harvey Weinsten" - and ran into absolutely nothing pre-MeToo. Must be a mistake - since everyone in Hollywood knew what Harvey was up to, she surely must have confronted him at some point? Maybe Tom Hanks and Kevin Spacey got into a fistfight that I never heard of? And Meryl - has she been wearing black all these years? I must be going color-blind!
2
I will take Hollywood activists more seriously when actors refuse to work with Woody Allen.
19
Now here would a courageous way to start an acceptance speech:
"May I please ask all the women wearing black tonight who have also gotten naked on screen, please stand up? If we truly, truly want to understand the misogynistic assumptions that got us to where we are, we need to first address our own hypocrisy and compromises that we made to get on screen and to a seat in this ballroom. If allow ourselves to act like highly-paid strippers, is it any wonder that these powerful men do the same?
For the most part men in Hollywood don't do this and have not made that compromise. Should we not hold us to a higher standard?"
8
So, by this logic women who dress scantily are “asking” to be preyed upon/raped/assaulted? Women can’t appear naked on screen without opening themselves up to abuse? Not very progressive.
That's certainly not what I said and a pretty unfair extrapolation.
What I said is that the values expressed by the people at the Golden Globes are contradictory to an industry (to which they have all bought in) that blatantly objectifies women through a form of "respectable" pornography.
You can be a stripper all week for all I care, but don't tell me you are feminist after you've cashed your check.
2
Mr. Bruni is right to note the hypocrisy and sanctimony teeming out of last night's festivities. I fail to see the courage in taking a popular opinion in one of the safest spaces imaginable.
What would have been really courageous and inspiring would be just one person to turn a critical lens back on Hollywood, asking how the people in that room have abetted and promoted misogyny through their work and the culture that they support and prosper from.
I am a Democrat and a liberal and am horrified by all the sexual misconduct that is now coming to light.... but I also have eyes and know a whitewashing when I see one.
22
I keep wondering what Hillary Clinton was thinking if/when she watched a this. The "dream" was there for the taking in November 2016 as 53% of white woman grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory and elected the Abuser in chief.
While the sentiments we "correct", none of this will matter unless it's turned into votes. Winning the Culture War is one thing, but until the Republican strangle hold on political power is broken, things will only get worst.
6
Maybe next time we use paper ballots and don't let Russian hackers drop Democrats from the voter rolls just before the election.
1
Mr. Bruni, this admirer of your column did not watch the Golden Globes last evening, but continued reading 'For Whom The Bell Tolls', an early night here, and a light jest on my part for you to begin the New Year with a spring in your step.
Thirty years ago on a Monday morning at the office, working as a secretary for a prominent economist, I am reflecting on how the week would have begun with his entrance on the sturdy carpet. He had an assistant, a quiet force to be reckoned with, and on occasion we would hear him end a call for a meeting with 'you will have to check with my ladies'. The three of us were vocal enough over the Anita Hill Tragedy.
A hundred years ago, women did not have the right to vote. A great-aunt of mine was one of our first American scientists at the time, Ethel Browne Harvey and she may have lost an important award in favor of two male colleagues.
The worse case of a woman being physically assaulted that I read recently was Reacy Jones who died at 97. These thugs got off with a reprimand.
Hollywood has now spoken loud and clearly. It is going to be the responsibility of each and every one, regardless of gender, to protect the most vulnerable among us. Not all of us wish to become 'Mistress Patton' in telling an unruly male that it is time to stand straight and leave off with shanty behavior, while gentlemen continue to walk among us.
Domestic abuse is on the rise. Let us look to Our Children and be 'Stars' in their eyes.
4
Hear, hear, Miss Ley. Wishing you a very good New Year.
1
Ditto! Phyliss Dalmatian, and looking forward to your comments in the New Year.
We're mere mortals. Let's just try to be a little better this year!
“Oprah 2020” is not a joke. It’s clear having no previous government experience bars someone from becoming president, so why not an intelligent, accomplished, compassionate person with authentic populist appeal who also happens to be a huge star and enormously rich? A bigger star and richer than our Embarrasment-in-Chief. Imagine Oprah’s cabinet — not lunatic-fringe plutocrats, but credentialed meritocratic dedicated to fixing real problems: education, poverty, inequality, climate change, crumbling infrastructure. I wasn’t the only person brought to tears by Winfrey’s Golden Globes speech. She reminded us how good it could feel to be an American. We want that back.
278
Haven't we had enough of TV host as president? While she seems to be a nice person, Oprah Winfrey has no legal, foreign policy, domestic policy, legislative, military, or other governing experience.
If us liberals are serious in our criticism that Trump's lack of qualification is an important issue, we can't turn around and promote someone equally unqualified.
10
... and she's a billionaire!
1
Oprah 2020 is a joke. Having no political experience should bar someone from becoming President. We have all become enamored of the idea that if someone "just does the right thing" while in office (eg., provide healthcare for all, tax the rich, relieve taxes on the working class, create jobs) that anyone can be President. Besides political experience, it is crucial that the a candidate have military experience, as the Commander-in-Chief is the ultimate arbiter of sending troops into harm's way (hello Tammy Duckworth!). Being a celebrity, no matter how nice the person is, is a poor qualification for the Presidency.
11
Gee, Hollywood finally got a conscience!!?? Who knew?? After years of denial, coverups, payoffs,and “hey boys will be boys”. And now they’re the models of morality. Please. Put your money (excessive) where your pontification points and do something for someone other than yourselves and your massive egos. Show that you’re not just liberal Trumps.
7
Activist president or not, it takes a tremendous amount of optimism to think the world is going to be a whole different place for women and blacks from now on. And Hollywood is one of those places where dreams like this go to die.
3
Hollywood is the bête noire of the rural Republicans who vilify it as the epicenter of liberalism, while they of themselves are the beasts of bigotry and ignorance in the dark of night.
And what is it that Hollywood provides? Dreams. At its best, dreams of beauty, and what is possible. And tales of Good Guys and Gals who win against the villains - something that happens only occasionally in real life.
But contrary to American mythology, neither Hollywood or D.C. control the mentality of the nation - quite the reverse. Our ticket purchases and votes determine the morality and value of both movies and government policies.
The real drama is off-screen.
2
Jonathan Baker, your blanket condemnation of “rural Republicans” is off the mark. I am a Democrat and have not spent as much time in rural America as I have in New York City or on the West Coast, but I feel confident in saying that a majority of rural Americans – even rural Republicans – love Hollywood and the movies.
Imagine the frustration of folks who detest the bigotry, misogyny and authoritarianism of Donald Trump and his supporters, but find themselves being blamed for it.
I think Hollywood has been at least as responsible as DC for the objectification and debasement of women. I also think Hollywood has been at least as responsible as DC for the glorification and proliferation of guns in this country. Scan through Netflix and most of what you find is sex-and-violence filled garbage. I am sure the Golden Globe nominees are exceptions, but I sincerely hope that a new level of sensitivity and intellectual quality takes hold across the board. If women lead the charge, so much the better. Please seek equality, power and influence and use it wisely.......not just for the sake of yourselves, and not just for your gender, but for the salvation of this floundering country.
5
Washington runs on it's own rules ..and will continue to do so until there is a person(s) who stares down the big money lobbyists and say's "do whatever you want...I'm not supporting that".
Hollywood is run by people with money who want to make movies as a way to make more money. Taste has always been, save for a few films a year, beside the point. The women in the industry, demanding a workplace free of harassment, sexual assault and pay equity will now get something closer to it...but it won't happen over night. It's a process.
1
This will not be popular but need to point out the breathtaking moment of cowardice by Natalie Portman. When you make a remark like that you are stating that there are people nominated in the director's category that do not belong there and were only nominated because they were men. Don't just make the comment and then walk away. If you feel there was an injustice then state plainly who does not belong there and who does. Kind of hard to do when the names include Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Guillermo del Toro and Christopher Nolan, isn't it?
A word of advice. If you think scoring cheap points against your friends actually advances your cause then don't be surprised when you find yourself alone when the real enemy turns on you in force.
7
"On Sunday night, Hollywood, of all places, picked up the slack."
We all need to be picking it up.
9
Where have all of these Hollywood Stars, that have benefited from the “system”, been all these decades? I am not ready to pat any of the celebrities on the back until they invest decades in doing the right things.
8
Unlike you apparently, I am willing to applaud people willing to make a start. Absent encouragement all efforts are doomed to fail. We cannot remake the past, only the future.
4
Hollywood doesn’t always get it right in terms of supporting progressive causes and the rights of women. And, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association sometimes misses the mark. We all remember that Woody Allen won the Cecil B. DeMille Award just four years ago.
That said, Frank Bruni is right that last night’s Golden Globes Awards accomplished more truth-telling about men like Donald Trump than has come from Republicans in Washington in years.
Oprah Winfrey was spectacular.
54
This equality thing between the sexes is becoming very tiresome and unless something is done the discord will only intensify. I have thought of a simple solution. Do away with the idea of gender altogether; no more male and female humans. There would no longer be any men or women anything. All pronouns would be gender neutral as there would no longer be any recognition of different biological characteristics. It will be difficult at first but as new generations emerge, assuming there will be some type of mating or genetic engineering , the world will adapt.
3
I hope you are being ironic. Trying to erase what Nature has created is not a solution at all. To accomplish this, would you also aim to create one neutral race, or eliminate all genetic "accidents," or prevent the mentally ill from breeding? I think we have heard this type of "solution" -- it was called "the final solution" -- by another cunning maniac in power. We must learn to live, govern, and love together. The only adaptation we need is the one Nature intended.
@Cheryl, Of course ironic
You find it tiresome; imagine how "tiresome" it is to live it.
1
Oprah. Good, but where has she been all year? That megaphone, and silence as we, with so little access, battle every day. She has nothing to lose and has remained on the sidelines. It's easy to stand in a room full of your adoring peers and have a come to church moment, even as your Weight Watchers commercial telling women that they are to be defined by their shape, is airing in wide rotation.
18
Where have you been? Oprah has been calling out to women for several decades - and offering projects and programs that bolster and serve them.
1
I think it's time Clarence Thomas suffered the same fate as other men who have been accused of harassment. It's unconscionable that this man could sit on the high court and pass judgment on so many cases relating to equality and human rights.
143
I agree. And then: William Jefferson Clinton. These two must be dealt with before Trump, or the country will be more divided than ever.
2
No timeline, there's no first place. Kick them out as we find them, Trump included.
2
Do you really want Trump to fill his vacancy with a younger version of Thomas? Please hold that thought for a different administration that is not Trump or Pence.
1
I take hope in Ms. Brosnahan’s words that there are “so many women’s stories out there that still need and deserve to be told...so as we enter this new year, please let’s continue to hold each other accountable and invest in and make and champion these stories.”
The story I look forward to is the one yet to be written: A woman in the White House. On January 20, less than two weeks away, hundreds of thousands of enlightened people, both women, and the men who honor gender equality and the amazing gifts that only women can offer, will gather. (If you can, come out and join us; do not stay home, the energy of last year's Women's March was awe inspiring and this year's events will be bigger and even more energizing!)
The Women's March of 2018 will be a march to the November election booths. The story we must write together is the story of turning Congress, not just blue, but blue with as many dazzling pink stripes as we can. It is not up to Hollywood or Washington to respect women, honor their contributions, celebrate the gifts they bring to lead America into thes future; it is up to you and me.
278
Well done and nicely stated jabarry! Bravo.
3
equal opportunity for sure, but a survey of the "pink stripes" (retro but clear) already in the congress or on the runway for '18 campaigns does not show any less ignorance, and its by- product, uninformed blather, than on the other side of the gender aisle.
I am all for a woman in the White House. Just pick a better woman to represent you next time.
4
The mammoth black cloud of misogynistic wreckage in this egomaniacal man's world - from eons of Adam's-rib-begat-woman medieval obnoxiousness to the 1937 MGM Mad Men raping of dancer Patricia Douglas to the 1944 Alabama racist raping of Recy Taylor to the Harvey Weinstein-Roger Ailes repeated sexual assaulting of the staff to the ongoing worldwide suppression of females by the Muslim religion.
Patriarchy and brutal male dominance is the scourge of civilization time and time again.
Even America's 2016 Presidential Election was replete with the unapologetic stench of misogynistic Hillary Hatred (by both men and women) and Benghazi Derangement Syndrome that elevated a widely acknowledged male ignoramus over a much better qualified woman.
In Alabama, two thirds of white women voted for Roy Moore, their would-be Senator Male Molestor.
Misogyny is a bipartisan disorder championed by men, but supported by starring roles by aiding and abetting women and patriarchal religions.
Such serial misanthropy against women needs to be blown to smithereens.
As a man and a father of three sons, a brother to three sisters, and a citizen who is especially proud of my fellow African-American female citizens who have consistently made this country great again, it gives me great pride to quote Oprah Winfrey's magnificent words:
It's time to speak the "truth to the power of those men.... Their time is up. Their time is up."
"A new day is on the horizon !"
Sing it, sister !
Amen.
Awomen.
221
Yes, what is the deal with native born white Southern women? It really surprised me that so many self proclaimed "Steel Magnolias" chose to support Roy Moore.
4
I would totally vote for Oprah!!! And, in case it matters, I am white. I am so sick of the chaos and lies being the order of the day. Oprah speaks to the heart of America, because she has such a big heart!
2
It was so refreshing to hear entertainer after entertainer speak in full sentences---you know subject-verb-object--which contained a positive message and delivered in a thoughtful way. This last year of jumbled sentences, jumbled logic, jumbled information was more tiring than I thought.
29
My husband and I spent last night watching Masterpiece Theatre and I kept exclaiming at the wonderful words that were popping out. They were precise, descriptive and beautiful and are becoming far too rare. You are right, you don’t realize how you miss erudition of even the slightest degree until it is gone.
4
I'm sorry, but I really don't see what any of the latest round of preening and posing by coastal elites does for the TRULY poor and disenfranchised in America. For those people who can't begin to afford cable or streaming services, for instance. The most disenfranchised and marginalized and poverty stricken Americans are really those over 55, a group that is completely ignored by the entertainment industry, unless portrayed in the most negative, insulting way possible. REAL courage might be writing and producing products featuring older. working class characters, and if one was honest about unfairness and bias in the US, real courage would include be mentioning these people when standing up on stage in a 20K dress while posing as a champion of the downtrodden.
18
Plenty of older actors, both men and women, were recognized as hosts, nominees or winners at the Globes, and they were NOT shown in the most negative or insulting way possible. Ditto for the roles they played. To mention just a few:
Oprah Winfrey (63), Geena Davis (61), Susan Sarandon (71), Francis McDormond (60), Helen Mirren (72), Meryl Streep (68), Tom Hanks (61), Steven Spielberg (71), Allison Janney (58), Gary Oldman (59), Alexandre Desplat (56), Ridley Scott (80), Christopher Plummer (88), Kirk Douglas (101), Daniel Day Lewis (60), Denzel Washington (63), Judy Dench (83), Laurie Metcalf (62), Willem Dafoe (62), Carter Burwell (63), John Williams (85), Hans Zimmer (60), Jessica Lange (68), Kevin Bacon (59). There were even more in the 50-55 range. It was practically an AARP party.
Many (most?) of those in the above list were once working class or poverty stricken at some point in their life (as most actors experience in their careers)(like waiting tables for a living). The one making the biggest headline last night, Oprah, was born and grew up in poverty. She has spent a good part of her career and not trivial sums of money on issues of poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunity.
As for REAL courage, think about this reality: most who work, or aspire to work, in the entertainment industry experience relentless rejection, criticism, and repeated failures. A tiny percentage make it to the Golden Globes. Do you really begrudge those who succeed?
4
"coastal elites" A generalization that screams sour grapes and instantly reduces the credibility of the user.
"portrayed in the most negative, insulting way possible" Review the work of celebrated actor Frances McDormand, just for a start. This reader is in the referenced age group, watches films regularly, and I am completely unfamiliar with the "insulting" portrayals described.
And wearing an expensive gown (the expected uniform of the evening) does not automatically preclude a person from also using her wealth and position to help those less fortunate.
And yes, they "preen and pose." That's what people do IN EVERY INDUSTRY at awards ceremonies. Having been on the edges of academia for years, I can assure you that Hollywood has nothing on universities when it comes to lengthy, self-congratulatory awards ceremonies.
2
Greta Gerwig wasn't even nominated for best director though her film won best musical/comedy. Is there any clearer example than that?
32
You don't understand how Golden Globes (and the Oscars) work. For marketing purposes, the idea is to spread the awards around as widely as possible. This means a movie which wins best picture will almost never win best director.
Of course, you could still demand that women win everything, to show how virtuous we all are.
The Golden Globes was the usual superficial spectral of self-promotion. It was hypocritical how quick they were to throw their own under the bus. And then there was the usual poor choice old, white, men jokes.
23
Frank, we would have elected a woman President also, were it not for the Electoral College; ironically, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is a much more egalitarian group - and kudos to them for the 2 grants of $1 million each that they made to important journalistic efforts Sunday evening.
In D.C., you say you hope 2018 will be a different story, but looking around at the Dilly Dilly ! Party which is propping up Putin's Poodle POTUS, we see the only encouragement will be outside the Beltway, since the Dilly Dilly ! Party is fully engaged in trying to keep the wheels from coming off their real-time 'Being There' sequel.
And as with many re-makes, the original out-shines the cheap casting and horrible script of the copycat.
9
why can't you fools fix the unelectoral college you passed the 18 th amendment...so many amendments...such badly
written documents
1
But there is the electoral college, and it is not unfair. If you believe it is, email or call your senators and congressional reps. The NYT couldn't even get Hillary elected, though it made a monumental effort to do so. For a while, it even promoted her assistant's husband (now in prison) who was running for mayor of NYC. Your time would be better spent writing people who can actually make a difference. What's Meryl Steep, CNN or MSNBC going to do about the electoral college?
1
Liberals, be very, very careful about using Hollywood as a platform for political or social causes. Haven't you noticed that whenever a Hollywood celebrity makes a public statement about anything, the Right responds with venomous attacks focusing on Hollywood's (liberal) elitism, lack of family values, etc.
21
I am so very tired of the "no family values" argument against liberals when in fact my state, our most liberal, has the lowest divorce rate, the lowest teenage pregnancy rate, the nation's best public schools, etc. etc. etc. while those evangelicals down south divorce, have kids when they're kids, etc. etc. etc. Frank couldn't be more right in pointing out that the morality last night showed up in Beverly Hills.
8
Well, moral leadership has to come from somewhere. As Frank's article points out, we can no longer expect that leadership to come from our politicians. I'd love to hear some inspiring words come from Washington, but all we get is silence. Why doesn't the right respond with venomous attacks to the elite millionaires and billionaires pretending to run our country while enriching themselves? Where is the right's outrage at the lack of family values displayed by our thrice-married, foul-mouthed, petty-minded, self-confessed sexual abuser of a president? I'll take Oprah any day.
3
Yes, because they are such paragons of virtue, starting with our president. And tell me again what an 'elite' is? Because they are all a bunch of elites in my eyes. They just gave themselves a huge tax break that the rest of us peons will be paying for.
2
While I don't pretend to be a film=o=phile, nor do I have an au-courant list of quotations of who has done what for our society from the many actors (and that includes what many still call actresses. I just use "actors" for all.) I do have a solid realization that women and men in the arts are more activists than women and men in politics.
Hollywood is used to, and enjoys, being in the spotrlight, and is usually not embarrassed by taking credit for its saccomplishments, on and off screen. Although male actors, such as George Clooney deservedly receive recognition for exposing and attempting to correct injustice yard by yard, there are also female actors such as Ashley Judd, whose efforts are not as well publicuzed but are still tireless in their efforts to do what government largely refuses or is incapable of doing, making the general welfare better for us all. Of course, those who have knowledge better than I of the many female and male actors also activist in improving our societal and invisible infrastructures, speak up. Let us not allow those who would diminish the work the entertainers do year-round by ridiculing and belittling their support of candidates in the political realm, which all of us have the right and expectation to do.
I know we are encouraged and inspired and entitled to feel good that there are those who can award excellence and willing to do so publicly with a great and approving audience.
17
I agree. If it wasn't for the bravery of people like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, and writers like Ronan Farrow (whose article the NYTimes refused to print), none of this heinous activity would have been exposed. I have given up on the US government - to see the Vice President of the United States (does he realize what his position is?) fawning and totally surrendering his dignity, let alone his power, to a scowling, narcissistic, would-be dictator, was not only horrifying to witness, but made me realize that the Republican party has become so toxic to democracy that it is no longer a viable second party at all. It is a stew of weasels, thieves and sycophants.
But, the #MeToo movement needs to move beyond the control of the rich, including rich female Hollywood stars. It's becoming elitist and that is always a death knell. It's why second wave feminism lost its power. We need to understand what's going on at all economic levels, not just at the top; maids who are being raped in hotels and are serving unwillingly as unpaid prostitutes, women in law firms (boy do law firms need to be looked at), Wall St. - and not just the powerful women on Wall St., the secretaries too. I happened to know of a law firm that hired secretaries based on looks and stupidity (stupidity was considered a plus because intelligence just got in the way of partners sexually harassing them). The economic balance must change, or this movement will go nowhere.
1
The other, related, remarks I've heard: even Hollywood could not have imagined the events of the past 18 months. The late-night comedians have enough material for themselves and their children. As the guy in the White House is eventually displaced, the market for some of this humor--offensive and defensive--will disappear.
Maybe we will one day get to a place--as the voters age and leave the scene--where we can again believe that such a presidency is unthinkable. But we should not forget, we should not allow eventual "Trump deniers" to rewrite portions of history.
12
In the many moments of grief and uncertainty I have had since the 2016 election, I have wondered what possible good may come of what many of consider to be the most politically calamitous event of our lifetimes. As the year unfolded and I watched the assault on progress on so many fronts, it was not clear to me that there was really anything positive happening. It seemed liked everything I supported was being torn up by a disgrace of a human being and his henchmen.
But I wonder if the unintended consequence of having an openly racist, misogynistic, white, elderly, and devoted to the rich regime might be to repudiation of all of that. Does it have the potential to force us into openly and persistently having these overdue and wrenching conversations?
We need to confront the pervasive inequalities that we face along racial lines, gender lines, in the marginalization of the LGBTQ community and in the income inequality that is growing. I am struck by the urgency, intensity, and frequency of the conversations that I am having and hearing. They are at a depth that is new and I am encouraged by this. I feel like people are trying to pull one another toward a more perfect union and are taking their responsibilities as citizens very seriously. I hope that this is lasting and real.
201
Probably the same unintended consequences of having 8 years of a openly racist, hypocritical, arrogant, man with less credentials and abilities to sit in the oval office as any president in the last century. Wake and realize that DT got elected because of the frustration the public had with the most political calamitous event (s) of our lifetime...the elections of 2008 and 2012.
Moral leadership is very popular, but it isn't easy. Oprah gave a landmark speech that blasted light into whatever dark crevices may remain in Hollywood. I still remember when young women I worked with told me they didn't believe Anita Hill. To see women coming together, believing each other, and permanently changing our culture is a day I never thought would happen. To see Hollywood champion these women is to see the power of moral leadership in action. Here comes the landslide.
134
Oprah for President 2018!! Her speech was inspiring. Her life story and her humanity make her a perfect choice to help restore America at a time of great need.
1
Some day, when and if normalcy is every restored, perhaps we'll look back and be able to thank DT and even be grateful that he "won" the presidency. His multitude of moral failings, including the treatment of women, have enabled us to pull the curtain back, expose, and energize women, minorities, and generally anyone who's ever been made to feel "less than". I am grateful for the Arts, as they shine light on important matters in a way nothing else can. Our politics, mostly with the Republicans leading the charge, is suffering from serious moral decay.
28
Let me know when the entertainment industry acknowledges the existence of working class people over 65.
7
Occasionally I get nostalgic for some of the movies and comedy shows I grew up watching. But when I actually get a chance to see these shows that my sisters and I faithfully watched growing up, I'm horrified to see the amount of misogyny, homophobia and racial stereotyping that we consumed every day - even in cartoon shows. But during the last half of the 20th-century blacks, women, disabled and LGBT groups marched for their rights, risking mockery, bodily harm, and even death. They fought tooth and nail to raise awareness and over time managed to progress to the point where people my age are horrified when faced with the disgusting mentality that was once accepted as normal. Today seeing a black, gay, disabled or female lead in television and movies or as news anchors or experts in a particular field is as commonplace as watching white men in suits. Hollywood and the entertainment industry have always been in the forefront of societal change and have greatly impacted how we view and accept others. The recent photograph of all the white Republican men in power suits standing around our reality tv star president makes it abundantly clear that we still have a long way to go. There are still many who long for those dark days when they had control and power. I believe they call it making America "great" again.
225
You are so right about cringing at the old movies and TV shows, J. Kelly. I recently watched part of The Lifeguard (1971) the movie that made Sam Elliott. I remember it fondly but I was shocked at the misogyny in the film. I turned off the TV. I guess it is true: you can't go home again,
1
Let's just be clear. The entertainment industry is much better at addressing things that don't cost it anything.
The entertainment industry is largely silent on this biggest threat to Democracy: excessive concentration of wealth.
89
What this show tonight did was to reflect the major cultural shift that this country has been experiencing for a year, the empowerment of women. Women are taking the power they deserve and running for offices they deserve.
It's real. Very real.
34
I believe that television and the movies have made strides - especially in the last ten years - to depict women as something other than wives and "housewives" (ugh) - and female role models are beginning to be seen and heard enough to think little girls today will grow up with less baggage to carry, and more - realistic- hope for their futures.
There is one aspect of TV however, that has not gained an inch toward the recognition of the real and aspirational roles of women in our society, and that is advertising.
It's still men driving in the car ads, still women loading the dishwasher, when the kids discover they're out of toilet paper they yell "Mom" - never "Dad". Women are depicted doing housework so much more than men, the occasional man doing dishes or changing the baby are so rare as to make the point.
Male Christmas gifts are tools and women's are jewelry. Those for little boys are games and building sets and bikes and skateboards, and for girls are still dolls and beauty products. Women make the decorating decisions and men do the DIY. Female recurring characters are like Progressive's Flo, dressed in a uniform - kindly but not too smart; recurring men include the vibrant, erudite and sexy "the most interesting man alive".
Children who watch TV are exposed to hundreds of ads every day, from their earliest formative years, and internalize these stereotypes by the time they have acquired language. The Clio Awards must be next to target.
21
I agree with you about the commercials. I notice the guys driving the sports cars and the moms driving the mom-cars, but my daughter, 13-yo, has noticed a number of commercials with bi-racial couples (where there used to be none), and I have seen a number of commercials with Dad doing some housework (Dad spraying air freshener in the bathroom, helping with laundry, cleaning up after the kids, driving kids somewhere in the car, ordering the furniture from the on-line furniture store, and, of course, doing yard work, the perennial "Dad" chore). At least Ace is the place with the helpful hardware FOLKS now. Sure, it's not completely 50-50 yet, but there is at least some progress. At, my daughter is quite aware of how commercials do not always reflect real life.
10
On what planet do you watch TV advertising? The last available character for playing the ignorant fool is white men. Tiny little girls regularly are portrayed as more intelligent and emotionally stable than stupid white dad.
1
Let's not forget these folks read and deliver emotionally charged lines for a living.
The women in the room made the statements, but it's up to the power in the room to make the change. That power remains overwhelmingly male. Time will indeed tell.
124
As noted by Frank Bruni, Hollywood picked up some of Washington's slack when it comes to inappropriate relationships between men and women. Both men and women need to achieve more equality between themselves. However, we should take note of an article in yesterday's NYTs about the state of the world, referenced in Ehrlich's and Ehrlic's "The Population Bomb," "Agenda 21," and a forthcoming "Agenda 2030." All three of these texts reference the state of the world with respect to things such as income, food availability, medical care, prenatal care (e.g., about 70 percent of the world subsists on about $2/day.)
Inappropriate behavior by men toward women has been a long–standing problem, and attention to it ought not be lessened. However, celebrities in Hollywood have a lot of money and means to help resolve some of the injustices in the world. No, one cannot resolve every social/injustice problem, but when so many celebrities are wearing expensive dresses/shoes and diamond, this speaks to another problem–overconsumption–by the rich. Most of us know, e.g., that expensive diamonds and gems from Africa and South America help enslave people and result in significant environmental degradation.
While inappropriate behavior between men and women must be rectified, so should other forms of behavior such as overconsumption of (blood) diamonds and other commodities.
Any "takers" to be put on a list never to buy a diamond again? To help with time/money to help food production in Africa?
11
Toward Oscar, the writer recently wrote in his other column that there [seemed to be] Trump's [shadow] in Hollywood.
Some years ago, there was a francophone film about a working woman. "One night, Two days" was the English title, I believe. I don't know whether it won an award in the foreign film category, but that one was absolutely premonitory in the era when movies about movie-selves -- as meta-film -- were still dominant. The writer had also mentioned the aspect with "Birdman" et others in his previous piece about Hollywood.
I have no TV. So, the show was out of my sight. However, "wearing black" drew me into a film like episode in my past. I used to wear a cool black coat in winters and that made me receive harassment letters from a neighbor; white American. One letter stated that I resemble a walking corpse in wearing black all the time. She went on and on in writing that I urinated at her windows from outside and my monthly periods and long black hair clogged completely her plumbing lines; though all those were stark lies combined with her hallucinations.
Many years have passed since then. I noticed other harassment forces shuffled facts and lies and switched her and me. I know, this is sadly a theme too close to that of the meta-film -- if not, it is too neurotically pathological.
But, who had made such tastes among the populace and encouraged to develop it?
By the way, black and gold are not the best combination according to my taste, but not bad.
But yet as Oprah said, we’ve had heroines all along. So glad she mentioned Rosa Parks.
Rosa Park’s wasn’t glamorous. She wasn’t young when she refused to get up and give up her seat on the bus. But she had guts. And she was willing to do for the rest of the oppressed in this country.
Women are in the limelight right now. The rest of us don’t need fancy black dresses to make our points. We don’t need nice figures or wealth. Our plight is not totally about the color of our skin or our sexual orientation. It’s about our guts. It’s about our concern.
Be strong, women. Be brave when you know you have been wronged, no matter who you are. Join groups because there is safety in numbers and someone in your group may help you and lead you to help. Now is the time for someone to have your back and for you to have someone else’s back. If you can, be a leader, but don’t forget - you weren’t always a leader. Be humble, too.
No matter what walk of life we are in, we can, and we must, do this together. Keep the momentum, teach your daughters, your granddaughters. We can never, as some predict, let these moments slip away, as movements have in the past.
I’m a senior woman, and I plead, now is our time. Let us make it endure! Do not weaken ever. Carry on! The country and world needs to be right and just.
Let’s make that happen, not for just now, but for always.
29
It was cool that celebrities brought activists who were fighting sexual assault as their dates to the Golden Globes. What would be cool for this year’s Oscars? Celebrities bringing as their dates the handicapped and terminally ill protesters who fearlessly demonstrated against the cutting the Affordable Care Act by staging sit-ins on Capitol Hill and at the local offices of their senators and representatives. These are people who have yet to be sufficiently lauded and are true heroes.
46
Women make up more than half the population. It only makes sense they should also make up half of the skills and capabilities of humankind not just in the kitchen, the bedroom or as eye candy but in science, art, politics and indeed all fields. When we men whether systematically or unconsciously seize power and control from women, we reduce our world's possible success by half as well.
10
Only time will tell. Congratulations to all of the winners tonite. I have to say given the sheer hypocrisy of tolerating some of the most heinous behavior in Hollywood for decades I was hoping that someone would have framed a narrative that the names of all of the members of Congress, who settled their "Weinstein Moments" behind closed doors at US taxpayer expense, needs to made public. If we are really going to go forward the leadership of the country needs to be on board and accountable.
7
I assume this means there's no movie bio of Andrew Jackson in development. LOL. Maybe it's time for a new one. The last one was "The Buccaneer" (1958) with Charlton Heston. Yes, Jackson was a mean guy who drank and gambled and abused the Indians but he did pay off the national debt. Today that debt is around $600,000 per taxpayer. And while the reality show President is an incredibly convenient symbol of the USA in decline, the real problems are at the state and local levels, beginning with Illinois as the state most likely to declare bankruptcy. Movies and TV shows have to fit their narratives into 2 hours, or a 6 part miniseries in a boxed DVD set. Making the USA great again won't come from the mind of a screenwriter--it will require shared pain from opposing groups such as how the Dallas Police Pension crisis was resolved. I'm not optimistic.
1
What Mr. Bruni has illuminated in this essay reinforces the divisions in America exploited by Trump and his Republican minions. Bruni argues that Hollywood does what Washington wont. No, its not what they wont do. It's what they, the Republicans, despise.
All of these stars and celebrities are treated by the Republican party as what's wrong with America. They are the effeminate wealthy elite, the socialist left, the out of touch ivory tower upper crust who don't understand real America. They are the problem.
Think about that. By standing up for the downtrodden, abused women, discrimination, the sick, and worst of all, the press, these blue state sissies are destroying America.
To the Republicans, all of these things get in the way of profits. That's all they care about. Profits cure all ills, especially if they land in the pockets of the 0.1%.
That's where we are with Trump. His followers blindly cheer him and blindly condemn these Hollywood types. They say you people forgot about me.
No they didn't. You just wont listen to them. You listen to Hannity and Limbaugh and Trump. They are the ones taking you to the cleaners. They are the ones who have tossed you aside.
Supporting minority rights are your rights too. Supporting a free press protects your freedoms. Supporting public investment benefits you too.
You will never hear that from Trump. Sometimes the leftist commie movie stars have it right.
20
I am glad the women are speaking out , but I do question the timing as I would like to know where they have been for the last several years . I’m sure there are no secrets in Hollywood and everyone knew what was going on but kept their mouth shut because they were worried about their careers .Ms.Winfrey Is a very wealthy and powerful woman, i’m sure she could have spoken up much sooner but was worried about her bottom line , profits .Now she takes the forefront,And looks like a hero to some but to me looks more like someone who has turned a blind eye for quite some time and now when she sees benefit for herself she speaks up
14
Listening to Oprah Winfrey last night, I realized that she has a clear path to run for politics. If a playboy, real estate developer was elected to run the country with no qualifications at all, a successful female entertainer with the same lack of qualifications to be president should run too. At least she is smarter.
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Why would she want to? She already has an platform for speaking to the nation, and is really wealthy, and well liked. Nothing like a turn in politics to potentially cause people to dislike her (as the dirt gets mined - true or not), and diminish her wealth. I don't think we'll ever see Oprah - or for that matter any really successful actor run for political office. It has always been the less liked less famous group of Hollywood folks that go for political offices.
Yes, and hearing Oprah, I fantasized her delivering a reasoned & resounding answer in a Presidential Debate, with the Grabber-in-Chief glowering, looming, and stalking behind her. .... Then I dreamed Elizabeth Warren demolish Perfectly Pious Pence in the first Vice Presidential Debate. 'Tis a consumption devoutly to be wished!
2
For all that has been said, hurrah. BUT when I see the offerings available and the fact that too many films available are full of violence and pornography, it is clear that there is a long, long way to go.
11
I hardly ever watch award shows--not a big fan of all the preening and self congratulations--but I watched last night and I haven't felt this positive since November 7, 2016. Yes, it's Hollywood, but I felt very reassured by the intelligent conversation and the desire move forward in a positive direction. Again, Yes it's Hollywood, but leadership and inspiration have to come from somewhere! We can't keep going along like we have been or we will drown in a sea of negativity.
8
I found the Globes depressing and tone-deaf. To date, Hollywood stars have had little impact on average women who face sexual assault and sexual harassment daily, who cannot speak because they face economic and social hardships most in the Hollywood bubble can't begin to understand. If you think I'm some sort of reactionary, guess again. My problem is that I've spent so many years as a civil and criminal rights attorney in the poorest communities representing working class and working poor women of every ethnicity. These women face a reality so fundamentally different from what was presented at the Globes it was breathtaking. Yes performers and reality stars gave fiery speeches. They dressed for the ceremony in black as a protest but, as Racked pointed out, “black was already a red carpet trend heading into the Globes," and was named "the standout color at last year’s Globes.” Further, how are average women, like my clients, to relate when black designer clothing is accented with massive strands of diamonds, or Jimmy Choos, Gucci, or Manolo Blahnik heels? My feelings were best captured by the outrage of Rose McGowan who stated before the Globes that the stars would accept their awards, but "affect no real change." The best moment was when presenting the names for best director of a motion picture, Natalie Portman "stated Here are the ALL-MALE nominees." In a year with so many brilliant women directors, it showed the bluster at the Globes about empowering women to be hollow.
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It strikes me that change in the lives of Hollywood royalty, and the importance of role models, makes a great story, but it's a story of top-down change, and a story about extraordinary, talented, driven people who discovered that in solidarity, they had power. But the systematic destruction of unions in this country means that nearly every working-class woman or professional woman who stands up and says Me Too is standing alone.
18
Enjoyed this article; real world. There are so many good-hearted people all around us. Or trouble is politics and economics, we are not such good folks there. You said, '...more simplification than sacrifice' and that's our problem: we don't actually talk about 'policy'. Yes, I mean tax policy, housing policy, wage and benefit, health insurance, etc. etc.
I used to tell my US Government students that it's very, very difficult to be a good citizen, partly because there are so many issues to be informed about and have a idea of what we should do, as a democratic community. We've rewarded the few with millions and millions and billions, and hurt the many with struggle and desperation. This is ours. We own this. And, we own the answers to all our problems, as well. We can do this. We can progress into a good, decent and loving civilization. Really, our call.
13
As a non-native speaker of English, I have a question: Why do I often see actresses referred to as "actors" in the American press and on television. When I learned English in school, we were taught that this was one of the few instances where an English noun kept its gender distinction. When I now see "actor" in reference to a woman, it seems demeaning, in that the feminine form of the noun isn't good enough. Could someone please explain what's going on? I learned British English in school and at university, so perhaps it's a US/UK difference in the language?
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Some time ago Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the US and the UK, agreed that the term "actor" would refer in a non-gender-specific way to any "one who acts," for reasons of clarity and simplicity. It is not intended to be, nor is it generally inferred to be, demeaning; rather it suggests that there is no distinction between acting done by males or females. (I am a member of AEA.)
7
Karl - It's actually that calling them "actresses" is demeaning. As you said, it's one of the few professions that makes a distinction, and women don't want attention called to their gender. If we don't feel the need to distinguish between male and female writers, sculptors, architects, or surgeons, why do so with actors? And if we did (for example, sculptress), it carries the flavor of diminutive, less than, thanks to the power imbalance between genders that still exists. Note that we have removed these distinctions from other professions - server (not waitress), flight attendant (not stewardess) - for just this reason.
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"Actor" is now the gender-neutral form, and considered more politically-correct than "actress;" many dining establishments have adopted "waiter" to refer to a server of any gender, and so on.
3
The Iranians, who could lose everything, including their lives, go into the streets. We Americans watch fabulously wealthy actors on TV celebrate themselves in designer clothing, and feel virtuous for it.
We'll cast Oprah, net worth $2.8 billion, as the defender of the powerless. She's done so much for working women them.
Some people have activism. We Americans make TV shows and think we're just wonderful for doing it, "championing these stories" of our own goodness and courage, with nothing at risk, to the end.
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It is extremely troubling to see Oprah Winfrey given such uncritical treatment, especially considering how irresponsible she has been with her television show> Oprah has promoted a long list of frauds and con artists, including Dr. Oz, Rhonda Byrne, and Jenny McCarthy.
It troubles me to see her discussed as a potential presidential candidate (as some publications are doing today). She wouldn't be worse than Trump, probably, but that is a low standard. But she's cut from the same cloth.
18
Good point. Hollywood and beyond is fundamentally about making money and the way to do that is to encourage passivity, turn people into spectators. It’s not just about making money, of course, it’s also about creating narratives (culture) that will expedite making money, providing a justification for making money. Like politics, we need to get the primary role of money out of our so-called culture industries.
1
Amen- empty.
How much courage does it take to wear a lack dress?
How many people at the Globes have profited handsomely from the status quo ante? The public change of heart is nice, but true reconciliation comes with naming what one has done and naming the hurt one has caused. It also includes those who knew of abuse, and were silent. None of this is sorted out. Men who abused, women who hurt other women by accepting the bargain, people who supported with silence-I still saw last night a room full of people who want us to accept that they have made a great, but suspiciously facile, change. This was less a political event than a damage control and PR event. There were many in the room who claimed not to know, but not only had to know, but had a responsibility to know. We are just at the beginning of anything meaningful. If we accept what we saw last night as some watershed, then we aren't all that serious about the problem in the first place.
103
how about reeducation camps?
1
"America is upside down and inside out. There’s meaningless make-believe in the capital of politics. There’s meaningful politics in the capital of make-believe."
Frank Bruni, this is one sharp column. When life imitates art and vice versa, it sure is an "Alice in Wonderland" moment.
On the one hand, you have an erratic, peevish president ranting and raving like King Lear as courtiers protect him from despicable behavior and policies, while truth to power gets spoken by winners of entertainment awards.
Oprah's speech was a classic because it was genuine, direct from the heart, and--in the vein of great speeches that never need to mention names--a stunning contrast between a man who brags in almost every sentence he utters and a lady of grace and dignity who inspires.
Nor did I miss your point about women's dress--and the need to let it all hang out, still!-- and the red carpet interviews where "interviewers asked women about sexual harassment and men about their recent professional achievements."
Yes, women, and the men who love them, still have a long way to go.
But still, what's different now is the proliferation of role models, mentors, and a more welcoming climate for female talent. Would that the same apply to female politicians.
And maybe it will: 2018 should be a very interesting year.
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I came to age in the early 80s, when companies were hiring women by the droves - we had benefited from the activists who came before us. (And good news, they laid us off in vast numbers two decades later. Equality is equality.)
We didn't realize at that point how big our success was, or how much more we needed. We were working, and busy, like any other working person. And right at that moment in time. with the growth of technology driving expansion, women weren't seen as taking men's jobs nearly as much as they would be a decade later when jobs started to get scarce again. "Men's work" and "Women's work" become a lot more clearly defined when there is less work to go around.
The concept of of inequality gets tangled up in a lot of different negative forces. Blaming women for scarcity of jobs; blaming failure to get promoted on the company having to hire women; ignoring personnel issues entirely in the drive for quarterly profits; and ignoring any bad behavior if the profit margins are good.
We left the door open to bullying and harassment and sleazy people walked right in. We kept strong numbers in the work force but lost a lot of the momentum as we struggled with fewer good jobs, balancing work and life, and coming up against a wall of discrimination that we had almost knocked down, and watched get rebuilt.
Oprah speaks of hope. Hope works best in prosperous times, and the rights of women, people of color, the poor, do better with prosperity. Let's work on that.
90
Oprah's speech was excellent but the best single line came right after when Natalie Portman announced the "all-male" list of nominee's for best director. Ladybird won best picture and it's star, won as best actress. But Greta Gerwig the female writer/director wasn't nominated. That showed the continuing struggle that Oprah talked about minutes before.
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Perhaps, there should be a quota for female nominees/awardees etc. Ideal way to maintain the highest standards. Not!
It's not uncommon for a best actor winner with no recognition for a director, and vice versa.
Before one rants about bias, it would be helpful to know the exact process followed for the selection of nominees. Because it's also likely that the actor won despite, and not because of, the 'female' writer/director.
3
ms portman's "all-male" jibe was an insult to her fellow artists who were nominated...while there were films by women that deserved the recognition of nomination (it says here) none of the films nominated were unworthy...
ms portman conveniently ignored the males (as producers, editors, cinematographers, etc.) behind many of the the projects directed by women.
its called "the industry"...product and promotion both create and respond to demand...changes occur as the market responds...but it's still what it is..."most women dressed in black...but...a monochromatic palette didn’t change the plunging necklines, gaudy jewelry and glamorous fillips of every other awards show."
for all that and more ("...the false, sometimes cringe-worthy notes of hypocrisy and...self-congratulation. Movies and the rest of the entertainment industry have done more to promote degrading, confining stereotypes...than to shatter them") mr bruni is ready to forgive, and to overlook the possibility that the "homilies, not exactly new," in the red carpet conversations were as much a part of the script as the black gowns.
how about considering the same latitude for the "values" (if not the republican remedies) framed by the north korean threat and breakdown of immigration enforcement?
no trump vote here but the "urgency and timeliness" of the issues should prompt cogent debate not insult (itself a form of "silence").
btw oprah for potus, not new, (see nyt comments months ago) makes great sense.
"the continuing struggle?"
Are you writing satire. A woman doesn't get nominated for a pointless "award" and you feel oppressed?
2
There are and were meaningful political discussions throughout the country in small towns, in the suburbs, in town meetings, in restaurants, in churches, by the proverbial water cooler before the 2016 election and after.
Even now. Yet still largely ignored or castigated by the political and cultural elite.
Believe it or not Frank, not all 'meaningful' political debate takes place in Hollywood and Washington. In fact very little that comes out of either does not wreak of paternalism.
36
Seats of power with leverage over lives are by definition not the same as “water cooler talk”. Of course important talks happen anywhere and everywhere.
But don’t minimize either that small town suburbs, churches and water coolers are exactly the places where unfair stereotypes can thrive unchecked and keep the old attitudes that keep lives small firmly in place. Wherever someone takes on entitled power or illustrates a different way, or dispels lies, and brings lessons learned to a broader audience, good for them.
22
"In Washington I find less encouragement. I hope that 2018 will be a different story."
We all hope for that different story.. But it has been clear from the beginning of the year, it won't. The Presidency is lost, And Congress is hurting us more than helping us. The only change that can improve Washington will occur in November, 2018.
Vote.
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Yes, 2018 elections are VERY important, cherrylog754, but before that
WE THE PEOPLE must show OUR disdain for this administration and prove to the world that The Con Don does not speak for the vast majority of us.
Resist. Protest. March. Speak out. Every single time you can. Every single American who values democracy in America must step up and help preserve/restore the one thing they value most because every social good is under attack.
NOW is the time!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/WomensMarch2018USA/events/
7
Hollywood can hold a mirror to us, and with creativity, change what is in the mirror to a new, better, and more just world. The question is will they continue to consistently hold the mirror in that way. They are a fickle lot. We need to be sobered by the fact that Hollywood and the entertainment industry also gave us Donald Trump.
63
The truth is that Hollyweird gives us -- shows us in that mirror you mention -- WHAT WE WANT.
If we bought tickets to long, boring movies about feminism....we'd get dozens of films about feminism. Or the CIvil Rights movement. If we disdained violence, there would be no franchises of violent films one after the other. If we preferred to watch quiet, introspective, talky movies....that's what they would make, over and over.
In order to passive the protest, a few talky boring feminist films will be made. They will get prestigious awards, but lose money. Then in a year or so, it will back to "business as usual".
1
Time will tell if this is a momentary blip or if true change will follow. Talk is easy but action takes a lot of work. I'm curious to see if the action committee being headed by Anita Hill does anything meaningful or if Hollywood is just using it for show.
I miss the old movies where women were a force to be reckoned with. They weren't damsels in distress waiting to be rescued by a powerful man. If Hollywood truly wants to be a leader in this movement then they need to start making more movies showing how powerful women are. Young men and women will be inspired by such stories.
138
"If Hollywood truly wants to be a leader in this movement then they need to start making more movies showing how powerful women are."
We should make as many as we can. And the Weinstein Company can pay for all of them.
1
Watch the "Black Sails" series. It has lots of brilliant powerful women. It is great.
Fifteen years ago, the talk of an award show was the dress worn the Jennifer Lopez, with details on the uses of double sided tape.
Today, the talk is of a speech by Oprah, and other speeches by women.
That is a long way to come.
398
Your gullibility is striking. If you believe these people care about anyone other than themselves (with some rare exceptions) then I have a part in my new movie I'd like to discuss with you. Here's my number......
Back then the best that Hollywood could do was to have one of the male South Park creators show up in the same J-Lo dress at the Oscars the following year. The other one came in the same pink gown Gwyneth Paltrow had worn.
With all the praise being showered on Oprah, along with suggestions that she run for President, I'm awaiting the inevitable Twitter torrent of envious anti-Oprah insults from Trump.
1
david- I usually agree with you but you're way off the mark on this one. Winfrey has funded several world wide charities over the years.
"Oprah's Angel Network raised more than $80M, all of which was donated to charitable causes, as Winfrey personally covered the network’s administrative costs. At least $11M went to relief efforts for hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Oprah herself kicked in another $10M on top. The network also helped build 60 schools in 13 countries, and provided books and uniforms. Much of the work once conducted through the Angel Network is now being handled by the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.
According to Forbes, Winfrey had given away approximately $400M to educational causes by 2012, including nearly 400 scholarships to Morehouse College, and more than $40M in operating support for the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa. She’s also given at least $10 million to A Better Chance.
Winfrey has donated $12M to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and $1M to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The National Council of Negro Women has received $2.5M, and Millennium Park in Chicago has received $1M.
In addition to her giving in education and support for Habitat for Humanity, Winfrey has made several significant contributions to Save the Children.
Winfrey’s health giving via their foundation has recently supported places like International Brain Research Foundation."
insidephilanthropy.com
4
I wasn't born when the great women's roles of the 1930s and 40s were made, but I love to watch those old movies. Women had lead roles, were strong, funny, and smart. The gold standard to me is Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday. The reporters adored her because she was the best reporter among them.
I can hardly stand movies made after the 40s because the women's roles lost their strength. Being cute and married became the big goals.
I hope Hollywood increases the roles for smart women who want more than romance. I hope that Hollywood buys more scripts written by women and hires more women in tech all the way up to director. There used to be tough women in films. We need them back again.
318
charles lederer wrote the screen play for "his girl friday" from a play, "the front page" by ben hecht.
check out the writers of all those pre-war strong roles for women, mostly men.
of course women must be granted equal opportunity for access to employment as writers, look what happened in sports when the lid was lifted, and as they gain it they will be create memorable male characters...art is inflected but not determined by gender, culture, race, ethnicity, drinking habits, etc.
2
Great Comment--Loved Barabra Stanwyck, Irene Dunne, Jean Arthur, Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland and on and on......
2
Kate Hepburn, Barbara Stanwyck and Bette Davis often played strong women who held their own (and then some), against men. I also thought Stage Door was great as an ensemble with a great cast of female actors.
1
Oh … I don’t know. It seems that Hollywood abuses women about as much as D.C. does.
And Frank forgets that if there is anything that has been phonier than Washington in all its history as our capital, it’s Hollywood. At least Washington occasionally funds a road and a space probe.
Kudos to the Golden Globe winners, particularly the female ones, on a year of exemplary entertainment and their participation in a movement that is rocking America in a good and necessary way.
70
a hollywood charity auction just raised $37mm for Haiti while Trump wants to cut aid.... with the support of your current bveloved GOP Richard.
6
Your kudos, couched in an insult, ring as hollow and phony as any Hollywood fantasy.
3
richard- hollywood raises millions every year for charities as do musicians. Do you remember Farm-Aid, Live-Aid and the other fundraising concerts presented by various artists including Bono, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Steve Earle and others. Ir the massive food drives at concerts? Jon Bonjovi has a charity and restaurant in your very state. Your constant lies about liberals, Democrats and celebrities get rather tiring. And your continual support of the wanna be delusional dictator is even more tiring. trump is doing nothing for the neediest among us. Puerto Rico is still in tatters. He and the reprehensible GOP are unwilling to help out even CITIZENS of the United States. Your left-handed praise falls rather flat and hypocritical in light of the fact that you unendingly support possibly the biggest misogynist in DC.
5