The latest Oscars controversy is a tough subject for some to talk about. Many are dancing around the heart of the issue, while others refuse to address the situation whatsoever. Though it should certainly be easier for people to have an open dialogue, satire is an excellent tool for promoting discussion of sensitive topics. Thankfully, the writers over at Saturday Night Live recognized this power, and used it to dive into the complex trend of #OscarsSoWhite.
In the latest episode, SNL executed a perfect sketch about the Academy’s latest shutout of minority actors. Cecily Strong hosts the Screen Guild Awards at the Dolby Theater, and the skit opens at the presentation for Best Actor. Over the course of the next three minutes, Strong goes on to nominate five white actors for roles centering around primarily African-American stories. The real genius of the satire evolves over time, as the white actors relevance in each film decreases with each passing nomination. The final two nods include “White Man With Camera” and “Unseen Voice On Phone.” Take a look at the hilarious SNL Oscars sketch below:
SNL #OscarsSoWhite Skit
The clever sketch satirizes a number of real Hollywood films, including Creed, Straight Outta Compton and Beasts of No Nation. In the latter, “White Man With Camera” simply stumbles into the frame as Jay Pharoah’s Idris Elba gives an impassioned speech. All of the black actors are overshadowed, and the final result is a five-way win for Best Actor to “All The White Guys.”
Amidst calls for an Oscars boycott, SNL does a terrific job of reminding the public of serious issues embedded with a dash of humor. If Academy members and entertainment stars are unwilling to talk about this uncomfortable situation, perhaps the latest skit and Chris Rock’s reworked opening monologue can add some perspective. It remains to be seen what will happen with the Academy Awards going forward, but performances like these are definitely a step in the right direction.
The 2016 Academy Awards air live on Sunday, Feb. 28.
