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Oscar tickets sold on Craigslist angers Academy

July 25th, 2008 by Scott Marks

Sid Ganis must be working overtime, because the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has learned the identity of the person who sold a couple of Oscar tickets on Craigslist for $5,000.

Yesterday, Superior Court Judge William Fahey ordered Craigslist to release the name of the individual who listed the ad in February. “Daniel” was the only name given to identify the poster of the ad.

The Academy does not like it when mortals disobey their sacrosanct pronouncements, but they’ll never tell you what really fuels the rage. Instead, they capitalize on a heritage of national paranoia by playing the security card. An official Academy shyster said, “ “If you don’t know who’s inside the theater, it’s very difficult to provide security.” Wouldn’t it have been funny if the tickets were purchased by people that posed a significant threat to America’s safety like Charles Manson and Chemical Ali? Instead, they were probably scalped to a couple of fanboys who’d swoon in the presence of Catwoman Halle Berry or anyone involved in the Harry Potter pictures. The only threat these geeks pose is accidentally ruining a photo-op by stumbling between the publicity hungry stars and the lenses of the paparazzi.

Gaining admittance to the auricular Masons is simpler than getting a library card compared to connecting with the prophylactic A.M.P.A.S. It’s easier to quit Scientology than it is join the Academy. Unless you’re Mel Gibson, Oscar doesn’t want any riffraff invading their sanctified shindig.

Right after this year’s ceremonies, the Academy sued several people and companies for selling or brokering Oscar tickets. In court documents, the Academy explicitly cautions invitees that they cannot sell or give their tickets away.

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AMPAS President asks nominees to ignore WGA strike and attend Oscar ceremony

February 5th, 2008 by Scott Marks

salma-hayek-sid-ganis.jpg

Salma Hayek & Sid Ganis announce last year’s nominations

During Monday’s annual Oscar luncheon at the Beverly Hilton hotel, Academy President Sid Ganis basically begged nominees to cross picket lines to attend this year’s fatuous popularity contest.The New York Times reports Mr. Ganis as saying, “Regardless of those circumstances, which are beyond our control, we will be presenting the awards as scheduled.”

Schmuck, the circumstances aren’t beyond your control. You’re the president of the all mighty Academy and what you say goes. Why can’t the Academy just hold off on the ceremony until the time comes when the writer’s strike is over? If nothing else, Sidney, think of how much more positive free publicity the Academy would amass in the time it takes to settle.

Stupid Sid couldn’t resist adding that the Academy Awards are not just about business but also about recognizing cinematic achievement.

The Academy Awards and artistic integrity?!?!? Since when? “It would be such a terrible shame,” said Sid, “if through no fault of yours and no fault of ours, the current conditions prevented us from shining that brightest possible light” on mediocrities like Juno and Michael Clayton.

And unlike the Publisher’s Clearing House raffle, Sid pointed out that the official certificate of nomination reads, “Must be present to win.”

Shockingly, the striking writers appear split in two camps: those who want winners to show up and use their acceptance speeches as a “bully pulpit” and those that feel a boycott would cause Hollywood further harm (and embarrassment).

The good news is that recent talks between striking writers and production companies show signs of hope.

As for me, strike or no strike, I’ll see you at the MoPA Oscar party on February 24.

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