OSCAR SHOCKER! - TRAVOLTA LOSES!
Just kidding, he wasn’t in the running but lot of people are still upset that John Travolta was not up for an Oscar.
OK, so he wasn’t up for “Best Supporting Actor” or actress - whatever - but was he ripped off?
Was his performance in ‘Hairspray” a true free flow of emotions and impulses worthy of a golden statue?
It’s generally agreed that a guy dressed as a chick is one of the most challenging acting assignments there is.
Did he create a life and death - moment to moment - acting extravaganza or was this just another in a long line of Academy “cross-dressing actor” snubs?
Let’s look at the history of “acting chops” in this area.
Uncle Milton - Milton Berle.
Our first true “cross-dressing Thespian.”
We all had a uncle like this and it was as though he was one of them - that’s how natural he was!
This man took the “cross dressing method acting” to a different level. He was Marlon Brando in drag! He was Lawrence Olivier in tights!
But, did he ever get the recognition? No. Snubbed from the early days of television. And so, the bias begins…….
Then, there was Tony Curtis in, ‘Some Like It Hot.’ No Oscar for him either. Take a look at this “cross dressing” shot of him in hot tub.
This brilliant actor actually seems to “channel the bubble bath of a chick” and even within the presence of Marilyn Monroe he remains in character and unfazed (as in, no chub). Only a trained professional actor could do this!
It’s a lesson in “being in the moment.”
Or not - we’re not sure because we’re not true professional thespians like these people. In truth, if we were in this scene, we might have gotten a little “chubby” - but that’s why - we’re not Oscar worthy!
Yet, in-spite of this heroic achievement - no recognition for Tony.
Lastly, let’s not forget about the riveting performance of Dustin Hoffman in, ‘Tootsie.’
Not “being” a chick but “acting like - you were being chick!” Brilliant! You try it. It’s a total mind*uck! Even chicks can’t fathom this one.
Still, no Oscar.
As the Academy continues to deny these gallant leading men (or leading somethings) their Stanislavski moment - perhaps we can award them our special Oscar.
AN OSCAR OF THEIR OWN!
Good luck in the future “fellas” - or whatever you are!
