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The Academy has spoken: Yes, the Oscars picked Michael Jackson over Farrah Fawcett
When it came to a choice between Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, Farrah lost.That's what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says about why they had to leave Farrah off -- and put singer Michael on -- their homage to dead celebrities during the Oscars Sunday night (March 7).
When asked why Michael Jackson was included when he and Farrah Fawcett died on the same day, Academy memorial committee head Bruce Davis explained to Associated Press that Jackson had appeared in a popular theatrical film recently. Is he talking about "This is It," the film of his rehearsals for his last concert?
"Think of all the blogging we would have gotten if we had left him out!" he said.
Fawcett's family issued a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" and "bereft with this exclusion of such an international icon who inspired so many for so many reasons."
Bruce Davis, who heads the committee that decides who's in and who's out admitted to AP that they were "kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we'd get the most comments on."
Fawcett and Barry were omitted because Davis and his colleagues thought that actors were better known for their "remarkable television work" and should be honored at the Emmy Awards in September 2010.
The Dish Rag would love to know why they ran two photos of Ron Silver during their memorial - Broadway dimmed its lights for the well-known and well-loved stage and screen actor after his death -- but not one of Farrah. Hmmm?
What do you think? Did Farrah get a raw deal?
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Michael Jackson created a new genre of music video film...ground breaking short films such as captain Eo Thriller and Ghost. he revolutionised music and film couple as one. his legacy is global and he influenced billions. MJ was a creative genius using film even as part of his intended concert return.
Michael acted in the all time classic film THE WHIZ with stars like Diana Ross.
Yes, she got a raw deal. I think both should have been included, plus of course Michael Jackson. I mean, you are talking maybe another minute or two added to the show. It was honestly despicable that they chose not to include them. Not to mention that Farrah had very little press when she died in June because of Michael, so this would have been a great opportunity to make up for that. Instead she took a double hit. Her family has all the right to feel insulted.
remember mjs oscar nomination for ben
It is great to include Michael Jackson because he is an important icon in the entertainment business. However, that doesn't mean the committe has to leave out Farrah. It is not that difficult to show an extra couple of photos of Farrah. I would be quite upset too if I'm Farrah's family. Petty decision.
I'm glad that the Oscars included Michael Jackson in their tribute. Michael influenced so many ways and he also changed the the music video genre by creating short films for his songs like Remember The Time and Thriller. Michael was the best entertainer the world had ever seen and he is truly missed.
What really bothers me even more than the initial snub is how callous the spokespeople for the Academy have been in responding to this issue. They knew what they were doing and expected the response. The whole, "Oh we can't include everyone!" "There's not enough time!" It's terribly cruel. They knew what was most notable about Farrah's passing was that it got overshadowed by Michael's and then actively chose to poor salt on her loved ones by denying a half a second flash of a photo while including MJ. I've read there was a list of 90 notable Academy members who died this year (MJ wasn't on it because he wasn't a member. Farrah was on the list. As was Bea Arthur and Maurice Jarre, the composer who won THREE Oscars including for the score of "Ghost!"). Two seconds of flashing a photo of each one would have taken 3 minutes. If they wanted to include the non-member "exceptions" like MJ and the critics/journalists etc, they could increase it to 3 and a half minutes maybe. I'll be generous ... make it four minutes. Five? Five minutes in a 3+ HOUR show?! Not enough time is BS! Missing someone, particularly a non-member, by accident is excusable, understandable and bound to happen. This is not. They had a list and actively chose to strike people off it and also expected people would notice the omissions. THAT is what makes it particularly cruel.
MJ is an international icon. Im happy that they included Michael in the tribute. This is it shows him as the true genius and greatest entertainer of all time. No offense to Farah, I think she should also be in the tribute.
bdavis@oscar.org
I love Michael Jackson!!!!!!
Many people on the largest STD dating site == Positivefish. com == (if I spell the site correctly) said that Michael Jackson donated at least $10,000,000 to
the people with HIV in Africa.