To the editor: The Oscars ceremony was OK, as was Conan O’Brien’s efficiency as host (“‘One Battle After One other’ wins greatest image at 2026 Oscars,” March 15). It’s in all probability no shock that “One Battle After One other,” with 13 nominations, was in a position to deliver dwelling six of these Oscars.
Different elements of the present acquired to me, specifically the in memoriam half. In previous years, these segments usually ran about 5 to seven minutes and at all times (and I imply at all times), individuals would complain that the Academy’s record of tributes was quick by a large margin. Nevertheless, as a result of some main stars sadly leaving us final 12 months, this in memoriam phase ran for nearly quarter-hour. Rob Reiner, Robert Redford and Diane Keaton all acquired prolonged tributes from Billy Crystal, Barbra Streisand and Rachel McAdams, respectively.
Regardless of the phase being prolonged, the next had been sadly left off the record throughout the broadcast: Richard Chamberlain, Will Hutchins, Ruth Buzzi, Joe Don Baker, George Wendt, Loretta Swit, Harris Yulin, Brian Wilson, Connie Francis, Hulk Hogan, Loni Anderson, June Lockhart, Could Britt, Richard Dimitri and Brigitte Bardot. A few of these individuals weren’t movie stars per se, however had an impression, would have straightforward recognition and may have been included.
I observed that there have been an inordinate variety of commercials throughout the present. If solely a small portion of these promoting annoyances had been eliminated, these unrecognized individuals might have been seen and maybe a brief prayer for them might need been quietly uttered.
Invoice Spitalnick, Newport Seaside
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To the editor: It was disappointing that at this 12 months’s Oscars, few artists used this international platform to deal with the urgent points dealing with the world and our nation. At a time when public voices matter, the silence felt noticeable and discouraging.
This was particularly placing given the theme of the most effective image winner, “One Battle After One other,” which particularly addresses abuses of energy, white nationalism and the facility of resistance. The movie invitations dialog, but that chance was largely ignored on stage.
Award exhibits have lengthy been platforms not only for celebration, however for reflection and consciousness. Within the spirit of Rob Reiner, I had hoped for extra braveness from our leisure neighborhood.
Patricia Perez, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Substituting in brackets identify and cause for look, I repeat the apt phrases of the eloquent Paddy Chayefsky from 48 years in the past: “I wish to say, private opinion after all, that I’m sick and uninterested in individuals exploiting the event of the Academy Awards for the propagation of their very own private political propaganda. I wish to counsel to [Javier Bardem] that [his presenting] an Academy Award just isn’t a pivotal second in historical past, doesn’t require a proclamation and a easy [‘good evening’] would have sufficed.”
Richard Agay, Los Angeles
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To the editor: They are saying that humor is tragedy with the elapsing of time, but sure occasions could by no means be humorous regardless of how way back they occurred. The skit in Sunday’s Academy Awards present the place O’Brien is made the “host for all times” after which killed by having poison gasoline come out of the ceiling was a stark reminder of the way during which most of the greater than 6 million Jews had been executed throughout the Holocaust.
I discovered this feeble try at humor to be insensitive, inappropriate and insulting to the cherished recollections of those that had been exterminated in that method throughout World Warfare II. Even when it was an homage to “One Battle After One other,” of the numerous methods O’Brien might have been “killed” within the skit, the Academy’s producers and writers couldn’t have chosen a poorer one.
Barry S. Rubin, Beverly Hills
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To the editor: I’m confused. Please make clear this for me: How can a movie safe a record-breaking 16 nominations and win greatest authentic screenplay, actor, cinematography and rating and not win greatest image? It doesn’t make sense that “Sinners” didn’t take dwelling the most important prize.
Is the Academy so in love with Leonardo DiCaprio that they’ll reward him and something he’s in with awards they don’t deserve?
For disgrace, Academy, for disgrace.
Kathleen McCord, Encinitas
