My Truth: About those Academy Awards

By Cheryl Smith

I’m trying to walk right. I’m trying to do the right thing, all the time and sometimes I miss the mark!

I also try not to let diversions take me off my game. Weapons of mass distraction are all around us. 

Sure attention is focused on drama and the Social Media College of Psychology experts but so much is going on that needs our attention; including Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, homelessness, health disparities, maternal morbidity rates, redlining, gentrification, food deserts, racism, crime, COVID and more.

Those issues are going to still be with us, after all the rhetoric has subsided.

It may be hard to remain focused, but you have to keep your eyes on the prize.

Which brings me to my truth!

There were several recipients of prizes during the recent Academy Awards.

It was important for me to watch the program Sunday evening because Will Packer, a graduate of the Florida A&M University, was the producer, following in the footsteps of the indomitable Quincy Jones, the first Black board member of the National Association of Television Program Executives; who was the musical director and conductor of the Award ceremony in 1971.

Mr. Packer, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and winner of Emmy Awards, is known for producing movies like “Girl’s Trip,” “Stomp The Yard,” “Little,” and “Think Like a Man.”

Also, we must take into consideration that the young adults who brought the trophies out to the award presenters were students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), like Mr. Packer!

Still further, I was anxious to see if the documentary, “The Queen of Basketball,” about the only woman officially drafted by the NBA, would be victorious.

I’ve known Donnie Wilson for decades and the idea that he could be the recipient of an award of that stature made for a very exciting show for me.

AND THE WINNER IS!

Yes, “The Queen of Basketball” was victorious.

Unfortunately, Lusia Harris transitioned January 18, 2022, but she did know that “Queen of Basketball” was in consideration!

There were a lot of other exciting elements about the show:

• Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes were charming, engaging and entertaining.  They should be invited back to host future shows.
• Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s tweet to QuestLove for the “Summer of Soul” win.
• A few historic “firsts.”
• Mr. Packer should be invited back to produce future programs!

Now to focus on the hype of the evening, aside from the eclectic outfits on the Red Carpet!

Here are the recipients of 2022 Oscars:

Best picture

“CODA”

Best actor in a leading role

Will Smith, “King Richard”

Best actress in a leading role

Jessica Chastain, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”

Actor in a supporting role

Troy Kotsur, “CODA”

Actress in a supporting role

Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story”

Best director

Jane Campion, “The Power of the Dog”

Best animated feature film

“Encanto”

Best original song

“No Time to Die,” from “No Time to Die”

Best original screenplay

“Belfast,” Sir Kenneth Branagh

Best adapted screenplay

“CODA,” Sian Heder

Best international feature film

“Drive My Car” (Japan)

Best documentary

“Summer of Soul”

Best cinematography

“Dune,” Greig Fraser

Best visual effects

“Dune”

Best costume design

“Cruella,” Jenny Beavan

Best makeup and hairstyling

“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”

Best production design

“Dune”

Best film editing

“Dune,” Joe Walker

Best original score

“Dune,” Hans Zimmer

Best live-action short film

“The Long Goodbye”

Best animated short film

“The Windshield Wiper”

Best documentary short subject

“The Queen of Basketball”

Best sound

“Dune”

Oh yes, there was a point in the show when comedian, actor and filmmaker Chris Rock made a joke about Best Actor nominee Will Smith’s wife of 25 years, actress, singer, director and businesswoman Jada Pinkett Smith. Mr. Smith took issue with the joke and walked up on the stage and slapped Mr. Rock.

Congratulations to the winners and a salute to Mr. Packer.

Now let’s get to work.  There are issues that really deserve your attention and we all know that violence should not be the answer; whether it is physically, verbally or with weapons.

So, as we move forward, in the words of the award-winning, late, great Barry White, “practice what you preach!”