The 2022 Academy Awards have been criticized for its handling of the war in Ukraine after hosts and nominees appeared to shun the topic, with Amy Schumer slipping in a bizarre comment mid-way through a link."There's a genocide going on in Ukraine and women are losing all their rights ... and trans people," the comedian and actress quickly said before quickly moving on to another segment. Many people felt like this throwaway remark was the wrong way to handle such a big and serious topic.
Complaints It Took The Academy Too Long to Acknowledge Ukraine War
Throughout the three-hour-long show, the Ukraine war was brushed under the carpet. None ohe hosts nor the award-winners went out of their way to make a direct statement about the situation.
Actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, finally took to the stage to subtlety address Russia's invasion of her home country, leading a moment of silence after praising "those who keep fighting through unfathomable darkness."
Russia nor Ukraine was mentioned by name, instead, she referred to "recent global events," before introducing Reba McEntire for a live performance. Considering Kunis' vocal support for her homeland, raising $35 for the nation, fans were surprised by her soft-touch tribute.
Then during a moment of silence, title cards called for the audience to support the "people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders" before a quick cut to commercial. The crypto commercial that followed this tribute also led to condemnation, with many declaring how out of touch Hollywood is.
Schumer Wanted Ukrainian President To Zoom In
Last week, co-host Amy Schumer claimed that her request to have the president of Ukraine speak at the ceremony in the wake of the ongoing invasion of the country by Russia was rejected by producers.
However, Wanda Sykes, who co-presented this year’s ceremony with Schumer and Regina Hall, criticized the idea while walking the red carpet.
“I think he’s very busy right now,” Sykes told Variety. “We so admire him and I think what they’re showing – the resilience and the strength of the Ukrainian people... we love them, we support them. And I think we’re doing a great job sending them the weapons and everything that they need.”
Schumer thought it would be a good idea for president Zelensky to speak at the ceremony “because there are so many eyes on the Oscars”.