STRIKING BACK – AT 10:14 A.M. ET:  As readers know, there's a big to-do in Hollywood over the fact that there were no black nominees in the major Oscar categories this year, for the second year in a row.  Some people are boycotting the Oscars as a result.

There's now a backlash from major Hollywood figures, outraged that cries of racism are being directed at people who are simply making an artistic choice in their voting, and who have voted for minority candidates regularly.  From Hollywood Reporter:   

Gerald Molen, a voting member of the Academy who earned a best picture Oscar for producing Schindler's List, has some very choice words for the "spoiled brats" who are crying racism over the lack of diversity in the nominations this time around.

"There is no racism except for those who create an issue. That is the worst kind. Using such an ugly way of complaining," Molen told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday.

So far, Spike Lee, Michael Moore, Jada Pinkett Smith and her husband Will Smith have said they will not attend the Oscars because all of the 20 acting nominations went to white actors.

"The idea of a boycott is ridiculous," Molen said. "Are their noses bent out of shape by the award nominations? Of course. That is normal in a town of egos and red carpet desires. While there were many performances of note, not all my choices for 'best' in the various categories have been realized."

Molen revealed that Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies got his vote for best film as he thought the film was "masterful," and that "[s]adly that placed a lot of other films in second place, but there can only be one." The veteran producer said he at least had some sympathy for Will Smith, because he gave a worthy performance in Concussion.

"But even then it is not like he has been ignored or overlooked in the past. I understand his disappointment but see no prejudice or racism in his not making it. Who knows, maybe he lost by one vote," said Molen. "I say to all my co-members: 'stop acting like spoiled brats. Look to the next awards show for recognition – if you deserve it'."

COMMENT:  Molen, one of the sane and mature people of the industry, is speaking wisely.  We've written about this here before.  If you start "diversity" programs they must include representatives of more than one group.  Then others will come forward.  African Americans, who are leading the boycott, may actually find that diversity programs will put them at a disadvantage because of the number of groups that will become involved.

Work hard.  Do good work.  It will pay off.

January 22, 2016