Oscars, Protests and Life in Hollywood

Being a Latina actress in Hollywood, I found the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s criticism of the Academy Awards to be well-intentioned but off the mark (“Jackson Plans Oscar Protest,” Metro, March 17).

It’s unrealistic to expect the academy to award more Oscars to minority performers when so few actors of color are allowed to read for roles worthy of nomination.

Jackson should push for greater opportunities at the beginning of the process. If talented minority actors were allowed to audition for a wide variety of roles and not be confined largely to stereotypes, I guarantee the reverend that the Oscar nominations would follow.

MARCIA DEL MAR

Calabasas Park

*

Doesn’t Jesse Jackson realize that California is phasing out affirmative action? If he wants more representation of blacks in the Academy Awards ceremony they will have to do it the old-fashioned way. They have to earn it.

TOM STEWART

Santa Monica

*

Although I disagree with the ill-advised tactics of Jesse Jackson’s Oscar protest, I think his complaint is a legitimate one: Hollywood could still do much more to open up opportunities for minorities, both in front of and behind the camera.

So, I was dismayed to see so many smug put-downs of the Rev. Jackson’s protest during the Oscar telecast. I was particularly irritated by Nathan Lane’s veiled dig at the demonstration, likening the grievances of minorities to the rantings of “nutty billionaires.”

It’s ironic that Nathan Lane, of all people, should seem so disdainful of Jackson’s cause. In just a few short weeks since the box-office success of “The Birdcage,” Lane himself has already done much to increase the visibility of gay characters in Hollywood movies.

But the advancement of sexual minorities is deeply connected to the advancement of racial minorities. Greater understanding of one misunderstood group through the media can be used to foster greater understanding of other groups. Instead, the Oscar ceremony set them against each other.

ROBERT PAYNE

Studio City

*

I am impressed director Mike Figgis cared enough to don a pink, black and yellow Jesse Jackson Oscar protest ribbon at the 11th annual Independent Spirit Awards last Saturday (“ ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ Arrives in Big Way at Spirit Awards,” March 25). That he believes not only African Americans, but Koreans, Japanese and Hispanics need a larger presence in motion pictures moves me greatly. As he says, “If you’re going to deal with an issue, deal with the whole of it.”

Oh, by the way, Mr. Figgis, how many minorities were involved in the making of “Leaving Las Vegas”? Mr. Figgis, you deal with it!

ROBERT FLAXMAN

Beverly Hills