Entertainment gossip outlet TMZ has been inciting anger from the public lately. Weeks ago, TMZ was the first to report that Kobe Bryant has perished in a helicopter crash. Later, police would hold a press conference where they called out the outlet for sharing the news before authorities were able to contact the families involved. The public backlash was swift, but Harvey Levin insisted that he received Vanessa Bryant's approval.
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Following the historic Academy Awards on Sunday (February 9), TMZ has ensnared themselves in drama once again now that they're being accused of mocking the Korean production and cast of Parasite. The South Korean film took home four wins, including Best Picture, and TMZ cameraman attempted to speak with them after the ceremony.
However, because they don't speak English, communication was difficult. The cast avoided the questions or politely smiled and walked away, but the voiceover actor comedically delivered the line: "Now that you have got the fancy Oscars, you think you are too good to talk to us? You shallow, selfish, entitled."
Then, the voiceover actor called Byeongkwan and Jun of KPOP group A.C.E. members of BTS and the mixup made people lose their minds. The public accused the outlet of racism and stereotyping Asians, and people made sure to let their opinions be heard. Check out the clip from TMZ and a few reactions below.
Blac Chyna’s Rep Calls Oscars Controversy "Black Lash," Says She Deserved Invitation
Blac Chyna caused quite the social media stir.
The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles was crawling with Hollywood’s elite players on Sunday (February 9) evening. The entertainment industry recognized just a few of its key members at the 92nd annual Academy Awards, and while there were many moments that were talked about on social media, Blac Chyna stole the show on the red carpet.
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The reality star became the focus of criticism when photos of her arrival circulated online. Many people questioned why she was at the ceremony and TMZ reports they’ve spoken to her representative who called the critiques by the public and media outlets “black lash.” According to Chyna, as stated by her representative, the reproach can be boiled down to racism.
The rep also reportedly stated that Chyna had just as much right to attend the Oscars as anyone else, especially because she’s an entertainer who stars in her own reality show. They also said that Blac Chyna is a black woman who “finds inspiration in supporting her friends, mentors, and other talent that has helped provide a blueprint for her career.” The person also added that there are plenty of other people who attended the Academy Awards who aren’t necessarily film actors or nominees, but they weren’t targeted.
“Whether it be the fact that she is a reality star, a single mother, or the inevitable reminder that she was a former stripper … it does nothing to change the narrative that just maybe the Oscars indeed are ‘so white,'” the rep reportedly stated. The controversy over Chyna’s attendance “further highlights the fight that many African Americans in the Entertainment Industry face; yes, even during Black History Month.”
TMZ shared that while Blac Chyna “secured her own invitation,” she did have a date who is supposedly a music producer.
2020 Oscars Ratings Were The Lowest Ever
Even though it ranked as the most-watched awards show, the annual Oscars ceremony continues to slide down in the ratings department.
There were a lot of memorable moments from the 92nd Annual Academy Awards last night (February 9), however none were enough to get many cinephiles to actually tune in. In short, the 2020 Oscars ceremony ended up being the biggest ratings dud in the show’s 91-year history.
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Even with Parasite achieving a historic “Best Picture” win, an unexpected performance of “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, Brad Pitt finally getting his roses in the “Best Supporting Actor” category, Spike Lee paying homage to Kobe Bryant with his red carpet look (seen above) and a very, very surprising appearance from Blac Chyna, the 2020 Oscars still bowed out with record-low ratings tallied at about 23.6 million viewers and a 5.3 rating among adults 18-49. Compared to the 2019 ceremony, which garnered 29.56 million and a 7.7 rating, the 6 million deficit unfortunately continued a ratings slide that has been occurring for years now. Some blame it on the timing, as the show aired for over three hours, ending at 11:32 PM ET, and was broadcasted weeks earlier than past ceremonies. This also marks the second year in a row that the Academy Awards went without a host, and it was also filled with music monologues that had many (i.e. Billie Eilish) frowning in disappointment.
What do you think was the reason the 2020 Oscars failed in terms of ratings? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.
Chris Rock Roasts Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, During Oscars Monologue
Chris Rock & Steve Martin own the Academy Awards crowd.
The 92nd annual Academy Awards are officially under the way and the festivities were perfectly kicked off with an amazing performance by Janelle Monae honoring the late, great Mr. Rogers. And with the Oscars choosing to go without a host for the second consecutive year in a row, it was a surprise when ex-Oscar emcees and comedians, Chris Rock and Steve Martin took the stage side-by-side to provide attendees with some temporary entertainment prior to revealing this year's award winners.
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The two accomplished comedians stood on stage initially engaging in a classic comedy self-deprecating standoff before turning their attention to those in the crowd. Chris Rock personally went on to poke fun at two-time Oscar winner, Mahershala Ali, Brad Pitt, Martin Scorsese, the Academy itself, and more. Rock stated in reference to Scorsese's Netflix film:
"I loved the first season of The Irishman," before turning his attention to Ali saying, "Mahershala Ali is a two-time Oscar-winner. Do you know what that means if he is pulled over by cops in LA? Nothing."
Without a single female filmmaker nominated for Best Director this year, Chris Rock addressed the elephant in the room, the only way he knows how, with the joke. Steve Martin initiated the conversation saying:
"I thought there was something missing from the list of directors this year," Martin said. To which Rock replied, "Vaginas."
Then the comedians turned actors took it upon themselves to roast none other than the CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos. Chris Rock proudly announced:
"Jeff Bezos is here. He’s got cash, when he writes the cash, the bank bounces." Rock continued, "Jeff is so rich, he got divorced and he’s still the richest man in the world. He saw Marriage Story and thought it was a comedy."
The Fargo actor then turned to Steve Martin and stated, "Steve, do you have anything you want to add about Mr. Bezos?" he asked. To which Martin bashfully replied, "No, I like getting my packages on time."
Check out the opening mini-monologues by Steve Martin and Chris Rock below, and check out the full list of Oscar winners, here.
Oscar Nominee Goody Bags Include 12-Day Cruise, 24-Karat Gold Vape & More
The Oscar nominees in each of the five big categories will receive a goody bag full of some very odd gifts.
The 92nd Annual Academy Awards will take place on Sunday evening, and for each winner of any given award, there are always at least four losers. However, regardless of the results, everyone is a winner in the eyes of Distinctive Assets—at least, every nominee in the five big categories. The Los Angeles-based niche marketing firm has prepared a collection of gifts for each nominee in the Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Director categories. According to Forbes, these goody bags are worth $225,000 each.
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While Distinctive Assets is not affiliated with the Oscars or the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the company has been putting together their “Everyone Wins” swag bags for the last 20 years. The items are pretty incredible, drastically ranging in price from a two-pack of dark chocolate Milanos that costs less than $5, to a 12-day cruise valued at $78,190, the most expensive gift in the history of the award season tradition. Another big ticket item is a year-long Drawing Down The Moon Matchmaking membership worth $20,000. The items are not just expensive—some are rather strange, too. Nominees will receive a medical urine collection system called the Peezy Midstream, as well as a “brain sensing” meditation headband worth $250. Other goodies in the package include a foot spray made from herbal remedies, a vape pen with a 24-karat gold finish, and an eight-person cannabis edible dessert-tasting. A custom stained glass portrait by glass master John Thoman is also apart of the offerings.
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Normally, Distinctive Assets prepares 25 gift bags for the usual 25 nominees, but this year, they’ve got some extra swag lying around. Since Scarlett Johanssen is nominated twice this year, both for Best Actress for her role in Marriage Story and Best Supporting Actress for JoJo Rabbit, she has twice the amount of swag to her name. “Maybe I’ll reach out to see if [she] wants to donate the second one,” said Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary. The gift bags are reportedly shipped off in suitcase to the nominees during the week prior to the ceremony, so it’s likely that all of the hopeful actors, actresses, and directors this year have already received their weird presents.