Dear Entertainment Weekly:
As an Oscar, I am deeply offended by seeing Neil Patrick Harris, an actor whom I admire, on your cover in gold-face. It is an insult and a slap in the face to my people and my heritage.
I realize that you probably look at us as nothing more than trophies. But in the film world, we are the trophies. We are awarded to the best of what cinema gave to all of you during the previous year. Since 1929 we have been coveted by actors, directors, screenwriters, and cinematographers. Since 1958, once a year, an entire evening of network television is devoted to us. To have our legacy reduced to a racist stereotype on your cover is an absolute indignation.
I realize that neither you nor Mr. Harris were trying to offend. I am sure that it was all done in good fun. My cousin (who was awarded to Isaac Hayes for writing "Theme From Shaft") even theorized that the whole thing was photoshopped. But we trophies have feelings too. Unless there was a satirical context to the photo, which I failed to detect, it came across as nothing more than politically incorrect cultural insensitivity.
We are not looking to generate any controversy, We simply ask that in the future you think of us as more than just a knick-knack that sits on an incredibly talented person's shelf. We are important pieces of film history with a long and distinguished tradition. Please remember that before once again publishing something so degrading.
Sincerely,
The Academy Award
(specifically the one that was awarded to Edmund Gwenn for his work in Miracle on 34th Street)
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