Anonymous Oscars Voter On Viola Davis Snub: "No, Sweetheart, You Didn't Deserve It"

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The 89th Academy Awards - Press Room - Los Angeles
Viola Davis with the award for Best Supporting Actress for Fences in the press room at the 89th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)
Fans believed Davis deserved to be nominated for "The Woman King," but this voter told her to "shut up & relax" because she already won in the past.

It's normal for entertainment outlets to speak with the powers that be that decide on the Academy Award wins, but these Oscar voters irked the internet. Much like publications do during Grammy Award season, Entertainment Weekly spoke with an Oscar voter ahead of the coveted ceremony. He, of course, remains anonymous, thus giving him the veil to speak candidly about his choices. Let's just say he didn't hold back.

The man, described as a longtime actor, finally got his wish to become a voting member of The Academy. However, he is disillusioned by the process and doesn't mince words. "Now, I'm forced to — so, be careful what you wish for. The whole Hollywood back-slapping, 'get a big stinkin' load of me,' it's not a newsflash, it just seems to get worse and worse. I think the Academy is making an effort to please everybody, and it's reflective of the state of the world, but I feel like they're being held hostage — somewhat unfairly — by the wokeness."

Oscar Voter Disparages Viola Davis

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Actress Viola Davis poses in the press room at the 89th annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

The Oscar voter further speaks on the backlash the Academy received over The Woman King and Till's snubs. Fans believed Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler, respectively, deserved to be acknowledged for Best Actress. Neither actor received a nomination, and some believed it was because the Academy is overwhelmingly white. The Oscar voter made it plain that Davis's performance wasn't up to par.

"When they get in trouble for not giving Viola Davis an award, it's like, no, sweetheart, you didn't deserve it. We voted, and we voted for the five we thought were best," he further shared. "It's not fair for you to start suddenly beating a frying pan and say [they're] ignoring Black people. They're really not, they're making an effort. Maybe there was a time ten years ago when they were, but they have, of all the high-profile things, been in the forefront of wanting to be inclusive."

"Shut Up & Relax"

"Viola Davis and the lady director need to sit down, shut up, and relax. You didn't get a nomination — a lot of movies don't get nominations. Viola, you have one or two Oscars, you're doing fine." Do you agree with the Oscar voter?

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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