Do politics and Oscars mix?

ATTENTION Oscar presenters: Keep your political views to yourself. Online readers sound off on attempts to hijack the mic at the Gold Derby blog at TheEnvelope.com.

Award shows are for the celebration of the movie, TV show, music, whatever. It is not a soapbox to spill your political views etc. If you want to do that, go to a political rally. You don’t see people in other walks of life standing up at their work functions or holiday parties and sharing their innermost thoughts on world peace. I don’t care what Richard Gere thinks, it’s a major distraction from the shows.

-- Birdy

The bigmouths’ blabbering is one of the main reasons I stopped watching the show. Such egotistical selfishness is disgusting.

-- Dick Disgusted

I don’t think they should say a word outside telling their peers thank you. This is not the forum for their “personal views” . . . that’s what turns so many off. . . . You made a movie, good job, now go home with your millions!!!

-- Mike

What makes Oscars intriguing to watch is when those off-scripted moments happen for good or bad. . . . It’s that spontaneity that brings this lifeless, self-congratulatory celebration to life. . . . Only wish Sally Fields was up for something and let her rip into our government again like she did at the Emmys. . . . It’s moments like these that make Oscars all worth watching.

-- Frankie R

Yeah, yeah, yeah, but did you ever notice that people never say anything like, “Let’s invade some more innocent countries!” So what’s wrong with hearing some positive thinking? Does it really shake up your enjoyment of an award acceptance to hear something other than, ‘I’d like to thank the academy, blah, blah, blah . . .’ Come on, break out of your mold!

-- RightWithAge

. . . This is America, you do not have the right to talk about politics. How impolite! You might offend someone!

-- Daniel Yakoubian