Academy Goes GaGa Over "Million Dollar Mercy Killing"

Jan. 25, 2005 -- Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences showed the breadth and depth of their contempt for people with disabilities today. If the nominations are an indicator, the biggest winner on Oscar night may be one of the most bigoted and loaded "better dead than disabled" movies to capture the hearts of critics in many years.

Widespread bias against people with severe disabilities is the only explanation for the nominations associated with "Million Dollar Baby." The movie virtually swept all categories. Morgan Freeman received a nomination for best supporting actor in his "wise old man" gig in "Baby" (like he's never done that before). Hilary Swank also received a nomination for best actress for her portrayal of Maggie in "Baby." Paul Haggis received a nomination for "best adapted screenplay," which was adapted from a book written in the 1950's. Haggis modernized the screenplay, except for the disability and euthanasia parts in the last half hour. Guess he figured no one would notice the mistakes. We can only assume that members of the Academy either don't know or don't mind all the absurd stereotypes and inaccuracies that are crucial to the plot of the film.

Nor have they followed Eastwood's political activities opposing disability rights and wheelchair access. And it's Clint Eastwood who's the biggest winner, of course. He gets nominations for "best picture" (he's the producer), "best director," and "best actor." The last nomination probably comes as a surprise to most critics, most of whom didn't see that coming. But then again, he did cry, so maybe they figure he should get an award for that. We should add that if the movie "The Sea Inside" wins the award for "best foreign picture," the "better dead than disabled" theme could dominate the whole ceremony.

To be fair, other movies dealing with disability ended up with nominations as well. The movie "Ray," for example, received a "best picture" nomination. This only proves that Hollywood will love someone who is blind as long as the person is lucky enough to be talented, famous and musical. We figure critics left the movie "Ray" humming. When those same critics left from seeing "Baby," which ends with Eastwood's character killing the now-paralyzed character played by Swank, they were in tears. This, they've told us all, is how pictures are supposed to be. Now the Academy is telling us the same thing.

Reprinted from a Press Release issued by Not Dead Yet on January 25, 2005.