Oscars So...

By Trevor A. Keveloh

Well... After a few weeks of talking about this with a very wide variety of people, I decided it was time to weigh in on this subject with the most appropriate way I personally can...A good ole blog.

#OscarsSoWhite is a cute and catchy #hashtag that got trending quickly and is still trending. With topics like these, I enjoy speaking with any and everyone I can just to get a better understanding of what people REALLY think based on the information given...And that my friends is where I am eventually going to try and make my mark on this. 

The three most "popular" people to initiate and vocalize their opinions of the Oscars this year are Spike Lee, Will Smith and Jada Smith. Spike Lee wrote and directed the film, "Chiraq." Will Smith was in the film, "Concussion." I will say this, I haven't seen either film so I cannot comment on their performances. I plan too soon. My opinion on this subject thus far is this. Ego (When I see these films, I COULD write another blog stating they got a snub.)

Both men are in separate films that they believe, in their heads and hearts, deserved an Oscar nod. They did not receive one. However good, bad, great or horrible these films are, I truly believe that the ego is what made them stand up and call for a bias within the academy.

So on the topic of the academy, I have to say that it's most likely like any conglomerate corporation where it's, "owned and run by a bunch of old white guys." The irony is, Hollywood is a place that is suppose to be very, open minded, liberal, steering away from old thoughts and steering into the direction of new thoughts, constantly, every day. It's a city of art, progression, and everything else pseudo-60's.

Apparently not if these guys and whoever else have jumped onto the bandwagon #OscarsSoWhite

My overall opinion has NOTHING to do with the Oscars, it has to do with the same exact fawkn recipe any and every issue begins with. The foundation. 

I am a working actor with my hands in on some writing and production projects at this time. Everyday I get sent dozens and up to hundreds of casting calls for actors and guess what, everyone, EVERYONE is looking for a particular "type" in virtually every casting call.

The initial issue begins with the vision of writers, directors, producers, casting directors and so on. How come more unattractive people aren't on the cover of magazines? How come all the A-List celebs have sex appeal, great teeth, hair, etc? How come if you are chubby and funny, you will NEVER be a leading man in a heart throbbing way? How come most casting calls looks for "Caucasian male, 6ft-6'2, 175lbs, nice body, nice teeth, VERY attractive?" 

It's because that's what we are programmed to like and look for, that's why. Every once in a while someone comes along and WOOES us with something other than looks or laugh, someone who breaks all barriers and is just outstanding at their craft. Someone who isn't a chubby funny guy or a hot chiseled guy.

But that's "every so often." I got into a great discussion with a friend who is Mexican and quite Liberal and I made the comment that people of other races outside of Caucasian need to "work harder," at making their films Oscar worthy. The quote was taken the wrong way (after a few Jameson's, A LOT of shit can be taken wrong) and what I meant was this. Caucasian people are the majority in most films because, well, its the majority of the race. If we keep focusing on race, we will never break out of that shell of thinking. When I told him other races needed to "work harder" as far as films go, I meant they actually HAVE to work harder, not "go work harder because the color of your skin." If you want to stand out from the rest, don't complain on social media about injustice, don't call for a race card. Go be active, go make a film that's fawkn KILLER and you see past the skin color,  make people forget you are Black, White, Mexican, Asian. Mid-Eastern, etc. Make a film that doesn't have the "token black guy that happens to me the police sergeant that yells all the time." Go against the grain. Stand out!

The Oscars are about film, which is my favorite art form. It should never ever ever be about color, ever. Maybe content, but never color. Art is art, it's beautiful, it's COLORFUL, it's hurtful and it's helpful. We all escape to some art form daily, weekly, monthly, etc. It should never be about color unless we are PHYSICALLY using that color to depict a feeling or trying to communicate something to the viewer. 

That's the only way color should be used in art...

Now jump over here to this...

My FAVORITE film of the year was, "Straight Outta Compton," mainly because that was the beginning of my era of music. That film was incredible in every capacity and I do think it got snubbed for a best picture nod because a film like, "Mad Max: Fury Road," got a nod. I have never been a big fan of action flicks unless they have a great storyline, which Mad Max did. However, SOC was just an incredible film and true depiction of the rise of the most innovative rap group in the history of music. Acting wise, those 4 guys were just outstanding. And that's where I felt it hurt itself. 4 great acting performances in a leading role. It was very difficult to chose the best out of those 4. But seeing all the Oscar nods for Mad Max, I can understand the frustration of some filmmakers. Then I jump over to Michael B. Jordan in "Creed." I loved the film, but before all this hoopla about the racism, I wasn't wooed out of my panties by Jordan's performance. The guy did an a great great job, but I just didn't buy quite a few of his scenes. Sly on the other hand, fawkn CRUSHED it, but it's not fair to compare those two. 

So what I'm trying to say here since I've gone on a few coffee induced tangents in this. The bottom end of Hollywood, the foundation, that is where things need to change, not the top with the ego-driven people who think their art is the best. If you want TRUE change, cast an unattractive man or woman in a leading role. Cast a black guy in a role a white guy was initially designed for. Take a chance on a new face going in for something. Instead of wanting a "Caucasian male, 25-30, 6ft-6'2, fit, VERY attractive," try casting some guy that can act that's... "30's, 5'9, 220, fangy teeth, attractive and blue eyes."

Hey Hollywood, you might be surprised if you open yourself up to new things!