Going off script at the Oscars: Are political tirades OK?
With war still raging in Iraq, conservatives in the White House and liberal, large-egoed and big-mouthed Hollywooders ordering their limos to take them to this Sunday's Oscars stage, it's time to whip up that great debate: 
Is it OK for stars to launch into political speeches at the podium? And is it one thing to grant that a winner can use their 45 seconds to say whatever they want, but presenters should stick to script?
Click on the "Comments" link below to give us your views. Below are some randy comments from our forums. See more HERE.
bocaboy7: "Sure political outbursts really annoy me (wink wink -- Sally Field at the Emmys), but we really can't do anything about it or tell them to not say it because they are most likely going to say it anyways - and we are in America (cough cough - freedom of speech) -- they're going to take advantage of it."
Troy: "Whatever they want? Really? They are winning an award given by their peers for their work . . . their profession. It's kind of sad that someone would use this time to make such a political outburst instead of focusing on the people and opportunities that have allowed them to make it to the podium in the first place."
Missygal: "The Oscars are about rewarding films, not declaring how you feel about the state of our country."
Crystal: "I don't like it when the performer speaks out while presenting an award because then it becomes all about them and not about the person winning the award."
kudrownian4evah: "I could care less what people say when they accept their award; they should be able to say whatever they want. If it turns into a train wreck, then at least we have something to talk about for a few weeks."
Mikead: "Who cares? It's for sure going to be from a liberal point of view. Anyone dare to make a pro-conservative statement knows their career goes down the toilet! Hardly call this 'freedom of speech'!"
There is so much liberal bias in Hollywood, that I have not watched the awards for years. It's all well and good to talk about free speech, just as long as you have the right agenda. I suspect since there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. Let the EGO'S have their 45 seconds in the limelight. The rest of us will be watching something enriching on the discovery channel
Posted by: ALAN | February 24, 2008 at 06:22 AM
There are two movies this year that are up for academy award that are extremely bloody and violent. Hollywood leads the world in what I call the "coarsening" of our society. I sit in movie theaters and watch people with little if any reaction to violence and I think this speaks volume to the violence that we witness everyday in the news. Why do we have to have it in the entertainment sector? Shame on you!
Posted by: Fred Schwartz | February 22, 2008 at 10:09 AM
The Academy Awards are an entertainment event, not an opportunity for an op-ed piece. Performers can spout off all they want at their private parties, but they are no more qualified to speak out on world issues than anyone else. This is not the time or place for ugly rants. The audience doesn't need to be grossed out by those like Michael Moore who are gross enough as is.
Posted by: Larry G | February 21, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I don't hear these same comments being made, as every other sports figure drawls out his/her thanks for "God bringing this victory" -- as if the Almighty is checking on every second of the playoffs.
It's as good a venue as any, to get out a message of hope and encouragement . . . whether I agree, or not, with how it's expressed, or by whom.
Posted by: Claudia | February 21, 2008 at 02:21 PM
The ineptitude of this administration has reached CRIMINAL levels. What on earth can be more important than their lies. Thousands are dead, folks! THOUSANDS!
Sure, let the actors speak out. When a remedy to this travesty is so imperative let anyone speak out. War, Spying, Torture, Renditions ... are we in east Germany?????
Posted by: juju | February 21, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Give me a break! As far as behavior in public is concerned the film industry moguls, actors, actresses, glamor pusses,
and all the other hanger on's seem to feel free to act anyway they choose. Isn't it all about freedom of speech and living in a democray? Tell the prudes to "take a hike".
Posted by: Jim Starrett | February 21, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I don't watch the academy awards anymore. I go to movies for entertainment period. These people are just actors, nothing more. They aren't world leaders. They aren't tycoons of business. They don't lead great armies in battle. In many cases they aren't even particularly bright and have trouble handling their own lives so why would I care what they think about politics or anything else? In the whole scheme of things they aren't important people.
Posted by: Jeff | February 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Celebrities can make political statements... but do so at their own peril by potentially adding any negative baggage to themselves.
Remember what happened to the Dixie Chicks? They made a stand on principle and paid the price for it, at least for a while.
Posted by: OoogaMooga | February 21, 2008 at 10:52 AM
If you don't like watching someone going on a rant or get on their soapbox at an awards show, then don't watch...Watch the Simpsons, Family Guy or Wife Swap....I'd don't mind when these stars go off script,...I don't mind controversies, I don't mind if someone trips and falls over their long gown,etc...these little moments make awards show all worth watching...bad enough having to sit through 3-4 hours of bland speeches and thank yous...what's wrong a little off-script excitement/controversy...you don't have to agree with it or watch it play out...run to your fridge for a snack or take a bathroom break....lighten up people.
Posted by: Frankie R. | February 21, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Oscars & emmys show are over rated, they serve on meaning they are waste of time, there more important thing in life
Posted by: dave | February 21, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Oscars & emmys show are over rated, they serve on meaning they are waste of time, there more important thing in life
Posted by: dave | February 21, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Keep their idiotic gobs shut. I'd rather take advice from a fortiune telling monkey than listen to a high-school drop-out celeb blather on about politics.
Their views are as far removed from reality as their lifestyles.
Posted by: Gary | February 21, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I think the actors should be able to say whatever they want. This is a free country and they can spout of their idiotic policitical views as much as their little shrivled hearts desires. I don't take what they say seriously and I doubt 99% or the viewing public does, but it makes them feel even more self important and hey, if they're good at what they do, let's keep them happy so they can keep performing for us. Kind of like feeding the monkey treats to make him more entertaining.
Posted by: Teri | February 21, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Sure! It’s always fun to watch liberals show how ignorant and twisted they are. Let them hang themselves with their own ridiculous rants. You might want to ask yourself why you watch this. The real question is should you devote even one minute of your life to watching these people?
Posted by: John Galt | February 21, 2008 at 08:28 AM
I believe that current Oscar recipients could learn from film stars of long ago and show some class when they are on the world's stage.
Posted by: Gary | February 21, 2008 at 08:24 AM
You know what? These people, wih all due respect, are specialists at making something totally fake look real... Are these the type whose political views are going to be, generally, rational? They're just taking advantage of their "fame" to bark out to a captive audience who is there for something totally different! Their "fame" doesn't make them experts in reality!!
Posted by: Jon | February 21, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Yes, filmmakers, actors, producers are American people who have the not only the right, but the obligation to speak up. Art is a major force of just not entertainment, but for social change and education. Art motivates the masses -- this is why through out history you have oppressive governments censoring art forms from movies to music (South Africa banned music such as James Brown's "I'm Black and I'm Proud", Polpot came for artist as well)...Speak! Speak! Speak!
Posted by: bellajj | February 21, 2008 at 06:46 AM
I applaud the politics in speeches. I don't applaud hiring Italian actresses to portray Native Americans (lol, Brando). And thanks for reminding me of SoyBomb. Now THAT was one of the great awards show memories EVER. I love you, SoyBomb. This is a great night for megalomania - let them drink my milkshake!
Posted by: Michael | February 21, 2008 at 05:20 AM
I don't want to hear their political views! Who the hell cares what they feel about it!!
Posted by: manny | February 21, 2008 at 04:43 AM
So Oscar winners are to be the only Americans denied the right to free speech?
Posted by: KUNINO | February 21, 2008 at 01:12 AM
What kind of question is this? Are we living in China? Or the Soviet Union perhaps? This is America people, Freedom of speech. You dont want some idiot to say something dont invite him, period. If you do then whose fault is it?
Posted by: Citizen | February 21, 2008 at 12:38 AM
Sure....let em' speak their mind. I don't ever watch that worthless show, anyway.
Posted by: KDH55 | February 21, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Award shows are for the celebration of the movie, TV show, music, whatever it is not a soap box to spill your political views etc. If you want to do that, go to a political rally. You don't see people in other walks of life standing up at their work functions or holiday parties and sharing their intermost thoughts on world peace. I don't care what Richard Gere thinks, its a major distraction from the shows.
Posted by: Birdy | February 20, 2008 at 10:43 PM
The bigmouths blabbering is one of the main reasons I stopped watching the show.
Such egostistical seflishness is disgusting.
Posted by: Dick Disgusted | February 20, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I don't think they should say a word outside telling their peers thank you. This is not the forum for their "personal views"....thats what turns so many off....you made a movie, good job, now go home with your millions!!!
Posted by: Mike | February 20, 2008 at 09:35 PM