Posted by Paul at March 12th, 2006

Annie Proulx on how her Brokeback Oscar hopes were dashed by Crash

Congratulations, Annie Proulx. You discovered the Oscars telecast is a corporate sponsored self-congratulation fest. Who knew? Oh, and that brilliant Jon Stewart that only intellectuals can comprehend. His take on Hollywood goes right over the heads of those of us who live in its vicinity. Yet for some strange reason I watch him on television most weeknights where he’s even more topical, inventive, and yes, funny, when he talks about current events than when he talks about Hollywood. Silly me, I thought being out of his element was the reason he wasn’t quite as funny as he is on his show, but apparently it’s my geographical condition that made him seem mediocre. But how on earth was he able to fool those New York intellectual critics? The consenus seems to be he wasn’t at his best. Funny, those same intellectuals mostly agreed Crash was a well made urban drama that deserved accolades. Brokeback Mountain (a sublime rural love story, also deserving of accolades) was likely a close second in number of votes for best picture. Yes, you can credit the marketing team behind Crash for putting it over the top. Because, guess what, actually comparing art is pointless. That’s why the Oscars aren’t really about comparing art or artists, Annie. Yes, it’s really just a television show — a piece of glossy, over-produced, mindless entertainment. If you are really dissapointed by the outcome, then you’ve bought into its false meaning more than a dolt from Hollywood like me.