Anti-war actors win Oscars -- Akahata 'Current' column, March 3I grinned at the lineup at this year's Oscar winners in the Academy Awards. They are real warriors.
Sean Penn won the Oscar for A Leading Role in "Mystic River". Expressing his opposition to the Iraq War, he took out full-page anti-war ads and an open letter in the Washington Post and the New York Times. With the world facing certain war, he visited Baghdad.
Penn used the open letter to take on President George W. Bush, stating that Bush is marginalizing his critics in violation of every defining principles of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and promoting fear through unsubstantiated rhetoric, and deconstructing civil liberties. Penn added, "Sacrificing American soldiers or innocent civilians in an unprecedented preemptive attack on a separate sovereign nation may well prove itself a most temporary medicine."
Tim Robbins, another winner from "Mystic River" as best supporting actor, is known for his pacifism along with his partner Susan Sarandon. Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. after the outbreak of the Iraq War last April, he said:
"A famous middle-aged rock-and-roller called me last week to thank me for speaking out against the war, only to go on to tell me that he could not speak himself because he fears repercussions from Clear Channel." He also said, "Let us celebrate this grand and glorious experiment that has survived for 227 years (since the Declaration of Independence)."
Penn was pulled out of a starring role in a film after his anti-war call. He soon sued the producer. Although baseball-fan Robbins was a guest of honor at a celebration at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, he was barred from the party due to his opposition to war. The story gives added weight to their courage. (end)