People Are Not Happy About Mel Gibson and Casey Affleck's Oscar Nominations
Because they are, respectively, an anti-semitic misogynist and an alleged sexual predator.
There are a lot of reasons to feel very, very good about this morning's Oscar nominations, which broke several records for diversity and recognized performers of color in every acting category. But the nominations of Mel Gibson for Best Director, and of Casey Affleck for Best Actor, left a bad taste in the mouths of many. These nominations are not just a validation of Gibson and Affleck—both of whom have checkered pasts, to say the least—but also indicate Hollywood's larger willingness to brush male misconduct under the rug in the name of "art."
Gibson has been a pariah for more than a decade, ever since he was caught on tape making a series of anti-semitic, misogynistic comments while under arrest for DUI in 2006. A domestic violence investigation was launched against the actor in 2010 following an abusive, racist tirade he left on his ex-wife Oksana Grigorieva's voicemail. And that's just the tip of the Gibson iceberg. This morning, the Academy nominated him for Best Director and garnered his movie Hacksaw Ridge with an additional five nominations.
Meanwhile, Affleck was sued in 2010 by two former co-workers from ill-fated experimental mockumentary I'm Still Here, which he directed. The film's producer Amanda White and cinematographer Magdalena Gorka filed separate lawsuits, each claiming that Affleck and other crew members had subjected them to a barrage of inappropriate sexual comments and unwanted advances. Both suits were settled out of court. This morning, the Academy nominated Affleck for Best Actor for his work as Manchester By The Sea's grief-stricken protagonist, a performance that already won him a Golden Globe earlier this month.
On the bright side, the internet made its outrage over Gibson and Affleck's nominations known with swift, delightful fervor.
Congratulations on your Oscar nom, Mel Gibson, you racist, misogynistic, antisemite pig fuck.January 24, 2017
Several commentators also noted the uncomfortable parallel between these nominations and the election of President Donald Trump, who has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by multiple women.
Hollywood loves to bash Donald Trump but they sure do love embracing scumbags like Mel Gibson and Casey Affleck #OscarsJanuary 24, 2017
2017: Truly a great year to be a white man.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
How 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' Pulled Off Its Iconic Wardrobe With Gowns From the Mall of America and Crafting
As the cult classic turns 25, its costume designer opens up about creating magic on a scrappy production.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How the 'Twisters' Soundtrack Rides Country Music's Mainstream Storm
The summer blockbuster is blowing into theaters with storm-wrangling sequences and killer needle drops.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Breaking Down the Shocking, Satanic Ending of ‘Longlegs’
The horror film and box-office hit stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent hunting a serial killer played by Nicolas Cage.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Maxxxine' Is an Homage to the Sleazy Horror Genre Giallo—But Does Away With Its Violence Against Women Cliché
The new 'X' movie is inspired by the sleazy Giallo genre, but its lead flips the misogynistic horror style on its head.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Maika Monroe Opens Up About Crafting a Nuanced Final Girl in Her 'Longlegs' Character Lee Harker
The actress opens up about her affinity for playing final girls and crafting her character in this year’s runaway horror hit.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
32 Movies to Watch if You Like Sci-Fi
Whether you're into films set in space or time travel.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The 17 Best Feminist Horror Movies Ever
Calling all scream queens.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Janet Planet' Is the Latest Must-See Entry in the Mother-Daughter Movie Canon
The sweet A24 movie marks the feature debut of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker.
By Sadie Bell Published