Eddie Murphy--King Maker

In October 1990, Barb and I were flying to Florida on vacation and while she slept, I read my new issue of Spin magazine. Spike Lee was a guest editor and included an interview he did with Eddie Murphy. At the time they were both on top of their respective worlds. Eddie was the most commercially successful actor of that time (only Tom Cruise could challenge him for that title) and Spike was the most critically acclaimed young director of that time.

Spike had been challenging Eddie through the media to do more with his talent and fame. To stand up for more black causes, to uplift the race through speeches or film roles. Eddie had been quite happy to keep his political leanings in the background and just cash his enormous checks. So now with Eddie's full attention, Spike was able to discuss with Murphy why he ignored his greater duties.

It was an uncomfortable read, but at least they cleared the air a little bit. But I believe one thing did come from that interview.

Several months later at the Academy Awards, Eddie Murphy was introduced as the presenter for the Best Picture of the Year. As these things go, it was quite an honor, especially considering that Eddie had never even been nominated for an Oscar. Eddie stood up there with the majority of the world's viewers watching and made a short, improvised speech about how terrible it was that in the 60+ year history of the Oscars only four black people had ever won one for acting, and only one for Best Actor.

These four people were Hattie McDaniel (Supporting Actress, 1939--Gone With the Wind); Sidney Poitier (Actor, 1961--Raisin in the Sun); Louis Gossett Jr. (Supporting Actor, 1982--An Officer and a Gentleman); and Denzel Washington (Supporting Actor, 1989--Glory). Great performances, but could these be the only four performances worthy of an Oscar in 60+ years? Want to know how bad it was? In 1948, an "honorary" Academy Award was bestowed upon James Baskett for his role as Uncle Remus---

"For his able and heart-warming characterization of Uncle Remus, friend and story teller to the children of the world, in Walt Disney's Song of the South."

That's nice, but the man starred in a classic movie and he's only able to get an "honorary Oscar," what is he Lassie?

I'd read and heard the complaint for years about the lack of black winners, but it was never brought up at the actual awards show. And it wasn't like Eddie was trying to drum up support for himself. Honestly, what role had he had in the '80s that was award-worthy? So Eddie finally showed some guts and what did the press do?

They ripped him apart for being so inappropriate on a night like this. The Daily News' Liz Smith in particular was crowing about it. Liz Smith from Texas I might add. With all the political speeches people that are made at this and other award shows and this is the one she singles out.
Well it's been 15 years since that night and while I haven't forgotten about it, I was kind of amazed when I realized what an effect that speech might have had.

Since that night check out this list of winners: Whoopi Goldberg (Supporting actress--Ghost); Cuba Gooding Jr. (Supporting actor--Jerry Maguire); Denzel Washington (Actor--Training Day); Halle Berry (Actress Monster's Ball); Jaime Foxx (Actor--Ray); Morgan Freeman (Supporting Actor--Million Dollar Baby). Six people in 15 years after four in 62 years, that's a pretty good turnaround. And I think Eddie should have been nominated for his multiple role as the Klumps in The Nutty Professor.

Maybe time caught up with the Academy and these awards would have happened anyway or maybe Eddie had a little hand in embarrassing these supposed liberals into recognizing all the good work that's being done across the rainbow.

The Freditor