Chris Rock Rocks the Oscars

By: Shannon Gossage

Rock is slated to host the 77th Annual Academy Awards show to air on February 27 among grumblings from some members of the Academy. Oscar producer Gil Cates is now doing damage control after Rock called the awards a "fashion show" and implied that it was intended for gay people. Rock said in an interview, "Come on, it’s a fashion show. What straight black man sits there and watched the Oscars? Show me one. And they don’t recognize comedy, and you don’t see a lot of black people getting nominated, so why should I watch it?"

Reportedly, an Academy member said, "Simply put, this is a disgrace." Cates doesn’t seem to think so and said, "We have no intention of asking Chris to step aside. These were humorous digs at a show that some people, obviously including Chris Rock, think may be a bit too stuffy. We can’t wait to watch him perform." The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation are also backing Rock. GLAAD executive director Joan Garry said, "Chris Rock isn’t making fun of gays – he’s poking fun at the Oscars. It’s shtick."

Rock has not issued a statement about the controversy, which may work in his favor. Quite possibly it could lead to a very high viewership. Rock’s edge should help keep the telecast interesting and no doubt the higher-ups are hoping that he will draw a younger demographic. A seven-second delay has been implemented in the event that Rock or anyone else gets a little too edgy. Should be interesting to see the turn of events. No doubt it will be funnier than the Uma-Oprah’s of shows past.