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What Denzel Washington should do to get an
Oscar
by Wilton McDonald
"After seeing the "Hurricane" and
"American Beauty," and after comparing the performances of both
leading actors, I think the Oscar for best actor should have gone to Denzel
Washington. It seems that Hollywood is more willing to honour films which bring
out controversy over gay issues. To support my point, who won best actress this
year? None other but Hillary Swank, who played the role of a young adult with a
sexual identity crises. Kevin Spacey, on the other hand, played a straight man
in "American Beauty," but nevertheless kissed a closet-case Colonel.
And finally, what movie propelled actor Tom Hanks to super stardom and began his
domination of the Oscars and golden globe awards? It was his performance as a
gay lawyer in "Philadelphia", of course. In "Philadelphia,"
Denzel also played a lawyer, who was a bit homophobic throughout the film. He
also conveyed the impression that he found homosexuality revolting. To
paraphrase some of Denzel's strong sentiments (speaking to his wife) in the
film: he could not understand how two men could do that 'flippy flop' together,
or he could not be with someone who is stronger than himself. Like Sydney
Pointier, Denzel has always played very dignified roles which have elevated
blacks. So, like Wil Smith who shocked the black community when he played the
role of a homosexual in "Six Degrees of Separation," (argued by film
critics to be his best movie) maybe it is time for Mr. Washington to step up to
the plate and simply, play the role of a proud, professional homosexual male who
asserts himself with as much poise and dignity that he can muster.
It is a fact that homosexuality is generally not
condoned in the black community. Take the extreme situation in Jamaica. There
have been many cases (reported and unreported) where homosexuals have been
injured and even killed by members of the public. This hatred is fuelled by the
strong religious communities, mature generation, and even local celebrities.
Just to name one, the reggae artist, Buju Banton says in one of his songs: 'To
shoot the batty-man dead.' On a more pleasant note, two years ago on the Cayman
Islands, British West Indies refused a cruise ship with over 2,000 gay
passengers the right to come ashore. Their decision was influenced by majority
anti-gay sentiments expressed by the residents, and the coalition of Christian
churches. Therefore if Denzel is willing to break with his traditional image,
then maybe with the right script, country and even Caribbean patois accent
((Remember that Michael Cane's ability to speak like an American paid off in
"The Cider House Rules.")), may help Denzel to pull of an Oscar in a
leading role. He more than deserves it for all his talents and hard work."
-- Wilton is a law student in London, UK.
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