An Anti-Oscar Plea

By the time you read this, it might be too late. But if The Academy Awards haven’t yet started—hell, even if they have—I urge you, beg you to do anything else… Read a book, do your laundry, go to bed early, anything except watch the Oscars…

Why? Because contrary to all the reality TV programming out there, art is not a contest. There doesn’t have to be a single “best” actor, director, film or anything else. Because some of the best movies out there come from places other than Hollywood. Because the whole Oscars exercise is a needless pat on the back for people whom, if it applies, should be content with a job well done.

And most importantly, because as a savvy computer and internet user, you have the power to find, share and even create your own media. Hollywood is terrified of you, and tonight is one of those few, precious opportunities you have to send them a message that they’ll have to do better.