Did you catch the Oscars last night? If not, I am sure by now you have heard that "Milk" won Oscar Awards in the categories for "Best Actor (Sean Penn) and Best Original Screenplay. And although I didn't watch the entire Awards event, the one thing that stood out to me was screen writer Dustin Lance Black's award impassioned acceptance speech for "Milk."
In accepting the award for Best Original Screenplay, Black got both political and personal. He spoke about being raised in a Mormon home and learning about Harvey Milk when his family moved to California. "It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and then maybe even I could even fall in love and one day get married..."
"I want to thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am . . . ," he said. "But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he'd want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches, by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures who have value. And that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you."
But Black wasn't the only one who was being political last night, even Sean Penn stepped up to the plate when accepting his award. "I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
Monday, February 23, 2009
"Milk" at the Oscars
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I couldn't agree more. I missed Dustin Lance Black's speech but I was fortunate to see Sean Penn's acceptance speech.
I want to thank both Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black for being so authentically brave in speaking so strongly in front of the world.
Obviously many watching already 'get it', but there are still millions all over the US and the world who are uninformed, on the fence or, as I like to joke 'unrepentant' (unlike the mom who did eventually change in the movie based on a true person 'Prayers for Bobby' - but, unfortunately, it took the suicide of her son to get her to the point of understanding).
Yes, Black and Penn's words WILL change the lives of people all over the world, regardless if they eventually see 'Milk'. Their words will impact GLBT's and future allies, yes, they will...
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