Whoopi Gets Snubbed By The Academy?

Feb 26 | by Natasha

Now I know some folks in the black community have "issues" with Whoopi Goldberg for whatever reason. But oh well. This needs to be said. Last night's Oscars program conveniently left out Whoopi Goldberg during their ALL ACADEMY AWARDS HOSTS MONTAGE clip. Yes, they also conveniently forgot Steve Martin as well, but I believe this exclusion of Whoopi stung because of the history she made while hosting the Oscars. She was the first woman ever to host the Academy Awards alone, as well as the first Black person ever to host the Awards show at all. Not only has she hosted once, but four times. She also made history by being the first black person to ever win all four of the major show business awards: The Academy Award, The Tony Award, The Emmy, and The Grammy. Not to mention being only the second black woman in history (after Hattie McDaniel) to even win an Oscar. For a program as esteemed as the Academy wants us to believe their awards are, this oversight of not even acknowledging Whoopi as a host of the program is unacceptable to say the least. Not only is this Black History month, but it was the 80th anniversary of the Awards show and in many ways last night, the writers made a point to showcase the history of its organization. But conveniently left out Whoopi. I happen to actually like Whoopi (who surprisingly is one of the best co-hosts The View has ever seen), despite whatever personal choices she has made that many people in the black community feel the unnecessary need to hold against her. However, this is 2008, and given that this country still acts like it's the early 1900's in many ways, we should protect and embrace our history so that we can pass it down through generations. Many people (especially younger generations) have no clue about the history Whoopi has made as a black woman in entertainment, and the fact no one has really even brought up the multitude of this snub speaks volumes. And if you watch The View or have followed Whoopi's career, you know that she rarely ever (if at all) lets situations emotionally affect her, especially not on national tv. But as you can see in the video above, when Whoopi's co-hosts brought up the snub and expressed their concern and confusion on how this could even happen to a woman who has made so much history in that very organization, she was moved to tears. The simple fact that she's the first black woman to step into the lead co-hosting role on one of the top rated daytime television shows (The View) right now is history in the making. Like it or not. I can only hope people can respect her accomplishments and give credit where its due. So I felt compelled to bring this whole situation to the attention of others and you do what you will with it. Just my $19.13.

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Comments

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I watched it this

I watched it this morning...I'm lost on the issue of people not liking whoopi. I guess I have to do my research on that topic.

by Shy
2:50 am - Feb 26, '08

well her feelings were

well her feelings were obviously hurt so don't say it wasn't a bid deal. the prestigious ocscars should know better. people need to see things how they are - i know it's painful to believe that this world is still so prejudiced and flawed but recognize it for what it is. Whoopi blew my mind in the best movie of all time - the color purple. she's fine with me. I, too, don't want to be called an African American. And I'm as power-to-the-people as it comes. So you can't judge someone for being who they are. i commend her for stepping out there and voicing her opinion despite the backlash.

by kisha
8:32 pm - Feb 26, '08

@Jay She is the second Black

@Jay She is the second Black woman to ever win an Oscar

by Sweetberries
2:47 am - Feb 26, '08

daym, i almost cried watching

daym, i almost cried watching that clip....thats so jacked up! Anyways the ocscars viewing audience was down 21% and its the worst rated of all time!!! HAAAAAAA!!! How dare they snub whoopi!!!

by Michelle of Japan
2:48 am - Feb 26, '08

I dont usually make a comment

I dont usually make a comment but this time i feel that it wouldnt be right to not say something. I'm a black woman from South Africa and what the academy did to Whoopi seriously pisses me off. This cannot just be brushed off as a mistake. Its too obvious to be mistake. There is no where in the world where black people are not treated as second class citizens. Right now i'm in South Africa and we're still treated as second class citizens. I take pride in the fact that black people always maintain their dignity and class in the face of injustice and thats exactly what Whoopi has done. She could have said a string of pissed off remarks but she didnt. AND STILL WE RISE.

by Hetty
1:58 pm - Feb 26, '08

It should also be noted that

It should also be noted that she is the only Oscar host that ever actually won an Oscar!

by Sharon
2:45 am - Feb 26, '08

[quote comment="41658"]I

[quote comment="41658"]I completely agree with you!!!! This was a MAJOR snubb. They can't explain this away. Damn if hollywood isn't petty as ish. I don't care what may have happen betwen Whoopin and the "Acadmy". She should've been recognized. Ish is tacky and classless. Some serious hateration going on there.[/quote] I agree with you too!!

by STDlove
2:48 pm - Feb 26, '08

I'm sorry, but I don't see

I'm sorry, but I don't see this as a big deal. And we shouldn't assume the "snub" was race related. She was included in the clip of Oscar winners. And as far as everyone complaining about Ruby Dee not winning, and the lack of Black nominees this year... 1) Ruby Dee had so little screen time in American Gangster, I'm surprised she was even nominated. And besides Denzel, how many black actors were in Oscar-worthy roles last year? You have to admit, there aren't many PROFOUND black films. It's either silly, slapstick comedy or those boring, predictable, feel-good Tyler Perry movies. Denzel won for Training Day because it was a complete 180 from his other roles and showcased his range as an actor. Halle Berry's win - I don't know WHAT the hell that was all about. If any black actress deserved an Oscar, it should've been Angela Bassett for "What's Love Got To Do With It." And to the person that said no other black directors besides Spike Lee were in attendance - John Singleton was there too. We gotta stop with ALWAYS pulling the race card, and ALWAYS looking for YT's validation.

by mocha
3:00 pm - Feb 26, '08

Whoopi is a terrific host and

Whoopi is a terrific host and we have made her "pay" for "sleeping white" in ways that surprise...OJ did it for decades under the radar, for example. Not enough ink to list those that did or do. Ever hear of Frederick Douglas? Jack Johnson. She ain't sleeping with me so i don't care. Oscars were wrong. Her cohosts were touching.

by CorpAtty
3:08 pm - Feb 26, '08

Thank you for posting

Thank you for posting this!!!! Awesome!

by 3rdSupreme
12:10 am - Feb 27, '08

1) If you don't like how

1) If you don't like how Natasha runs her site then don't visit!!! Go visit some other alias-ass site Black celebrity gossip site that ONLY reports on the latest beefs, and all that other coonery and bafoonery. She can comment if she wants to, how she wants to, when she wants to, SHE RUNS THIS SHIT!! 2) Regardless if it was some "Hit and Miss" bullshit, Whoopi should have been acknowledged. SHE MADE HISTORY. No, her not being acknowledged doesn't change the fact that she made history, but she deserved to be acknowledged for her noteworthy contributions....THEY HAD HIGH RATINGS WHEN SHE DID HOST IT, DIDN'T THEY? 3) The Oscars are a joke. Period. Halle humped some NASTY old white man, got an award. Denzel was more corrupt than the US Government, won an award. Seriously? The Oscars are pure comedy. Yes they made history, but look at the roles they played. KING KONG AIN'T GOT NOTHIN ON "THE COLOR PURPLE"! 4) Wikipedia Whoopi. Whether you like her or not, she's on point. Let's see how many of us can do that in a lifetime. 5) Yeah, let's play the race card. It's called using your resources to your advantage. White people use their money, their last names, their money, their skin color, their money, their credentials, and their money to their advantage all the time. How long was Paris in jail? Yeah, that's what I thought.

by YBFChick2385
3:15 pm - Feb 26, '08

dang thats messed up that

dang thats messed up that whoopi was treated that way. She deserves her respect

by Ebony
2:44 am - Feb 26, '08

That's so messed up. I

That's so messed up. I didn't watch the Oscar's because of the absence of films that portay us. American Gangster was the only movie that had 'us" in it. But I agree, people do not give Whoopi her credit, she's done a lot for comedy, blacks in comedy, and women in comedy. Before she got "blacklisted" she was in a position a lot of famous black comedians can only dream of. I recognize her swagger, I wish other did too.

by Erica
2:44 am - Feb 26, '08

[quote comment="42158"]The

[quote comment="42158"]The reason why the West Indies, Caribbean, and Haiti has black people is because slaves from Africa were brought there, also the vast majority of slaves that were brought to the Americas were from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, yes there were some from Ghana, formerly Gold Coast, and all down the western African shore as far as Angola. But in the end what does it matter, if you are black, you ARE the descendant of an African. The term Hispanic, encompasses many different linguistic sects, or "tribes" as some would say, but do you see them publicly bickering over what they are called. No, because they value unity and solidarity more than we. My parents are from Africa, I was raised in the states, but I still visit and have close ties to my family back home, and have much love for the black, or african-american, or afro (as my SL people would say) family that I have made here. What sickens me, how black people in America feel the constant need to divide and conquer ourselves. When I meet other young people in the states who are from countries throughout Africa, from Ethopia, to Sudan, to Tanzania, to Nigeria, they are all happy and proud to identify themselves as African! Yes we know we have cultural and linguistic differences, but our so many cultural similarities and ties that bind us, and we are happy to unite and celebrate those. I just really can't understand why so many black americans work so much harder at defining why they separate instead of looking at what unifies us and working towards a greater good.[/quote] I stand corrected. Thanx for the history lesson. But last time I checked, most of the posts in response to this article were outraged that she, one of "OUR" people was overlooked. Isn't that "looking at what unifies us"? And I'm happy that you are able to go back to visit your relatives over in your respected country in Africa, but unfortunately, I am not. So I don't necessarily have DIRECT ties to any place in Africa but that doesn't make me less proud of WHO I AM. Nor do I try to seperate myself from others of my race. I just might not call myself African-American like everyone else. The beauty in us all being descendants of different lands IS the fact that we have different cultures, etc. to share with one another. Monotony is boring.

by YBFChick2385
12:25 am - Feb 27, '08

The academy didn't put her in

The academy didn't put her in a montage, one of the best hosts that boring show has ever had, but Heath Ledger who KILLLED HIMSELF was put in a montage. Thanks Academy!

by Tai
5:07 pm - Feb 26, '08

1st. Poor Whoopi. That's

1st. Poor Whoopi. That's what happens when you fcuk with the View

by S.Ko
2:31 am - Feb 26, '08

[quote comment="41926"]1) If

[quote comment="41926"]1) If you don't like how Natasha runs her site then don't visit!!! Go visit some other alias-ass site Black celebrity gossip site that ONLY reports on the latest beefs, and all that other coonery and bafoonery. She can comment if she wants to, how she wants to, when she wants to, SHE RUNS THIS SHIT!! 2) Regardless if it was some "Hit and Miss" bullshit, Whoopi should have been acknowledged. SHE MADE HISTORY. No, her not being acknowledged doesn't change the fact that she made history, but she deserved to be acknowledged for her noteworthy contributions....THEY HAD HIGH RATINGS WHEN SHE DID HOST IT, DIDN'T THEY? 3) The Oscars are a joke. Period. Halle humped some NASTY old white man, got an award. Denzel was more corrupt than the US Government, won an award. Seriously? The Oscars are pure comedy. Yes they made history, but look at the roles they played. KING KONG AIN'T GOT NOTHIN ON "THE COLOR PURPLE"! 4) Wikipedia Whoopi. Whether you like her or not, she's on point. Let's see how many of us can do that in a lifetime. 5) Yeah, let's play the race card. It's called using your resources to your advantage. White people use their money, their last names, their money, their skin color, their money, their credentials, and their money to their advantage all the time. How long was Paris in jail? Yeah, that's what I thought.[/quote] Thank you! All points VERY well stated. I know I wasn't the only one who had a look of disappointment on their face when Halle and Denzel won their Oscars. (In the bigger scheme of things glad they they won them...but for those roles? Seriously?) Ok so Training Day was different from all his previous work...and Malcolm X wasn't? That's such a cop-out response. To my knowledge I don't think Denzel has EVER played the same kind of character so bump that. And I'm STILL trying to figure what Halle did for cinema with her role in Monster's Ball.

by BooK
5:09 pm - Feb 26, '08

And regardless of race or

And regardless of race or even gender Whoopi Goldberg has done some monumental things as far as being a comedienne in Hollywood goes.

by BooK
5:11 pm - Feb 26, '08

I'm pretty sure her name

I'm pretty sure her name isn't actually Goldberg...wasn't she born Karen Jonhson or something very generic like that?

by lawyerlady
1:04 am - Feb 27, '08

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooow! thanks for highlighting this

by Necole Bitchie
2:33 am - Feb 26, '08

third...WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

third...WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW FIRST DAYUM

by MICKEY
2:35 am - Feb 26, '08

Yeah that's not right....

by Crystal
2:35 am - Feb 26, '08

I love Whoppi. Always have

I love Whoppi. Always have (blackface stunt and all). And that clip shows why. She is class personified. I didn't watch the Oscars. Considering this stunt...I won't be watching in the future.

by April
2:40 am - Feb 26, '08

I completely agree with

I completely agree with you!!!! This was a MAJOR snubb. They can't explain this away. Damn if hollywood isn't petty as ish. I don't care what may have happen betwen Whoopin and the "Acadmy". She should've been recognized. Ish is tacky and classless. Some serious hateration going on there.

by lawdy
2:42 am - Feb 26, '08

I may wrong but I dont think

I may wrong but I dont think Whoopi was the 2nd Black person to win an Oscar. Wasnt it Sidney Poitier?

by Jay
2:43 am - Feb 26, '08

I agree. Kudos to The View

I agree. Kudos to The View for acknowledging how grossly inappropriate it was for the Oscars not to at least mention the times that Whoopi hosted the show or her win for her role in Ghost. I may not have liked her fling with Ted Danson, or the way she didn't slap him-black for appearing in black-face years ago, but she's a talented woman and an inspiration to all of us. The fact that she has the courage to look like and be herself is a lesson many of us still need to learn. I wish we could boycott the damn Oscars somehow--but its too late cuz the show is over. They owe her an apology, to say the least!

by Vee
3:15 am - Feb 26, '08

[quote

[quote comment="41826"]Actually Natasha, I think that you're the one who doesn't get it: I don't think that the arguments made in your original post hold any weight. Because: 1. Whoopi Goldberg likes playing the victim and she has a very thin skin. Am I the only one who remembers how she boo-hooed and was so offended when Halle Berry didn't mention her name in her own Oscar speech? (She sounded just as crazy as Aretha Franklin after the Grammys). And on The View, she constantly brings up how the media has given her a hard time. 2. Whoopi Goldberg can't be defended under the black history flag. I don't remember exactly where she said it (I think it was on 60 Minutes in the late 90s), but she rebuked an interviewer who called her African American because she said that her people could have been from Egypt. Yeah, she said that in real life with a straight face. 3. The inaccuracies in your original post are examples to me of when black people want to get all riled up about nothing. So Whoopi Goldberg wasn't included in the last night's clip montage? What does that change? Does it undo the fact that she hosted four times? Does it give a black actress one less role? It was a clip montage. You try condensing 80 years of history into a three hour show; you'll leave some stuff out, too (especially the unfunny stuff). P.S. I didn't mean any disrespect in my comment (and I will continue to read this blog), but for someone who spends her time dishing gossip and decreeing who is and isn't foolywang material, you have an awfully thin skin.[/quote] Sis, Let's just say you don't like Whoopi and you disagree with Natasha's stance. To go on and on with these examples ( which many of them were actually incorrect) is pointless. First off, this is Natasha's site and she has the right to say whatever the hell she wishes. Secondly, to put Whoopi in the same category with OJ is insulting not just to her, but to our intelligence. That woman has NEVER EVER degraded us in such a way. Some black people were pissed because she did things her way without their tired approval. Brothas were pissed because she dated only YT boys, but these same brothas-in her words- never gave her a glance before she was famous. Baby, its more than one side to every story. Lastly, I have been watching the Oscars since 1976, so I really know great moments, and no doubt Ms. Goldberg was certainly more than one of them.

by Lola Falana
5:58 pm - Feb 26, '08

i dont even watch or support

i dont even watch or support the oscars because they NEVER give shine to black ppl or any other race really other than white. YOU KNOW DAMN WELL THAT THE MOVIE I AM LEGEND DESERVED AN OSCAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! i bet one billion dollars if it had been starring a white man it would've won more than one! screw the oscars for playing whoopi like that..smh!

by Akira
3:16 am - Feb 26, '08

Oh and Natasha, while I too

Oh and Natasha, while I too may not always agree with your comments on celebs or situation, thank you for keeping this site classy and coon-free.

by Lola Falana
6:00 pm - Feb 26, '08

FYI .. I HEART BIG Whop ! she

FYI .. I HEART BIG Whop ! she is the most successful black woman in the biz .. simple as that.

by You know who this is
3:16 am - Feb 26, '08

In other news, who put that

In other news, who put that anchor-woman/Billy Jean King wig on Sherri Sheppard??? WTF??

by Vee
3:17 am - Feb 26, '08

Kudos Tasha great post!

by B
12:38 am - Feb 27, '08

i actually saw her in one of

i actually saw her in one of the clips... i think if they failed to invite her, that would be a snub, but not a clip that probably some guy that could care less about the oscar's made.

by James
3:24 am - Feb 26, '08

I agree to disagree. Glad

I agree to disagree. Glad Whoopi got her apology.

by YBFChick2385
6:36 am - Feb 27, '08

Natasha... are you a Delta?

Natasha... are you a Delta? You said $19.13 cents... either way, good coverage on the issue. I felt that the slight was VERY obvious, and I'd expect the Academy to issue a statement to that effect.

by Tee
3:27 am - Feb 26, '08

If you disagree with Natasha,

If you disagree with Natasha, fine. Take a grown up pill and move on. To bash her on her own site is rude. If you dont like what she says log on to Perez and join the Black People bashers that are on his site. He gets paid nice money to talk sh@t about us. I agree with you Natasha. Whoopie was snubbed and thats the bottom line. How would you feel if you have worked your entire career on being proud of what you have accomplished, only to be dismissed because you are black, and a woman. Natasha, your site has always provided the most credible source of info to me. Move on people please. Next topic.

by ShoeDiva
12:39 am - Feb 27, '08

Thats down right awful...

by cali-princess
3:30 am - Feb 26, '08

The Osars this year were

The Osars this year were dismal at best this year. Great see movies of different ethincities win, but no African American movies won in neither of categories this year...come on! Whoopi Goldberg. I didn't even notice the unmentioned host after all those montages and movies (I never heard of until now) kept winning. P.S. and if you didn't know about Whoopi(-one of only ten individuals who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, counting Daytime Emmy Awards-)Goldberg, YOU better ask somebody.

by diakonos
3:36 am - Feb 26, '08

the academy is very wrong

the academy is very wrong they love to snub black ppl..when in the world are they going to give will smith the oscar he deserves.. they feel as though they have given a few black ppl an award then they are okay

by equality
6:37 pm - Feb 26, '08

[quote

[quote comment="41702"]Natasha... are you a Delta? You said $19.13 cents... either way, good coverage on the issue. I felt that the slight was VERY obvious, and I'd expect the Academy to issue a statement to that effect.[/quote] Yes she is a Delta...I think she pledged at Texas A&M.

by I'M BAAAACCCKKKK!!
3:38 am - Feb 26, '08

"And still to date is the

"And still to date is the only black person to have hosted solo." Umm. Natasha maybe YOU need to brush up on your black history. Chris Rock hosted in 2005, and was funnier than tired Whoopi, even if you added up all the lame jokes she made in her four hosting attempts. This year's Oscars was clearly featuring their greatest hits and most infamous misses, and Whoopi's hosting just wasn't that memorable. And I've been watching since 1993.

by Erica
3:39 am - Feb 26, '08

Ummm...am I the only person

Ummm...am I the only person who remebers Beyonce saying that she wanted to be the first black woman to win an Oscar, Grammy, and Tony award???? I'll be damned but it looks like Whoopi beat her to the punch. I hope Bey stops saying that mess now and recognizes that her inability to fulfill that goal is not only because of her lack of acting talent.

by Annie
12:45 am - Feb 27, '08

[quote

[quote comment="41770"]natasha, if you want to be taken seriously in your line of work, you cant get offended and jump on everyone who bad mouths you. you think perez hilton got time to leave a reply to everyone who attempts to talk trash? i think you stand corrected. Everyone want to make a big deal out of whoopi being "snubbed", but the point was to clearly show greatest hits and most memorable moments. not who was the first black woman to host and whatnot. i guess the producers of the oscars felt that she didnt have memorable/hilarious/outrageous moments. but yea, thats just my piece, you will never be respected or taken seriously if you get so easily offended.[/quote] Case in point. People missing the forest for the trees. Just because I respond without screaming and cursing a person out I'm offended? No-it's called explaining yourself and having an intelligent coversation. It's possible for a woman to do so without her being catty and offended and up in arms, despite popular belief. And I am not nor am I striving to be "Perez" in any way shape or form. Don't get it twsted on what success really is. There's always more than one way to calculate it. And usually the more quiet ones are the more successful--in any arena. I know it's too much for many people to understand and believe but I started this site to do me and to do eveything MY way. And since I was here before 99% of any of the other black gossip blogs I don't need another person telling me what I should and shouldn't do "in my line of work". I'm not here simply to follow in another's footsteps and do what they do. I am setting and have already set my own footsteps. I know that's hard for some people to stomach--a 25 year old woman not being a follower and still handling her business more than you could imagine. Shocking right? There's always more than one way to success and again, this is my way. And it's working out better than anyone could imagine. So please don't compare to other people saying I will never have something or get something because I'm not fitting in your narrow tunnel for a formula of success--or following another person. I already have those things and more. I repond when I choose to and handle my site my way. And I will continue to do me and handle things the way I see fit. Thanks for your "advice".

by Natasha
5:40 am - Feb 26, '08

2[quote comment="41662"]I may

2[quote comment="41662"]I may wrong but I dont think Whoopi was the 2nd Black person to win an Oscar. Wasnt it Sidney Poitier?[/quote] 2nd black woman.

by diakonos
3:41 am - Feb 26, '08

I'm glad Whoopi's co-hosts

I'm glad Whoopi's co-hosts did that for her. But, I'm mad at the Academy. They have slighted many a black performer.

by Leonel
3:48 am - Feb 26, '08

Well, here's my $19.50.

Well, here's my $19.50. Whoopi's snub may not have been the worst thing the academy did last night. Ruby Dee should have received that lifetime award because all the work she has contributed to the industry and what of the whole cast of 'The Great Debaters'? Sad sorry slight all the way around. I didn't watch the whole sorry affair for all those reasons and more.... just classless an low brow

by Mr. King
3:52 am - Feb 26, '08

Big ups to Whoopi...she had

Big ups to Whoopi...she had me all teary eyed. She's the best thing that has happen to The View, because of her I watch it again.

by Sunshine
7:26 pm - Feb 26, '08

I'm glad you posted about

I'm glad you posted about this Natasha because I had the Oscar's on in the background last night but I missed this major snubb. I did however see her in the clip of Oscar winners...but that is beside the point. They def should have recognized her for hosting. Somebody in the Academy research dept is getting the boot! And is it JUST me or was anyone else surprised that Sherry Sheppard knew that much about Oscar history when she literally thought the world was flat a few months ago?? CHEAP SHOT, I know, but I couldn't resist.

by Brie
3:58 am - Feb 26, '08

I don't think the Oscar snub

I don't think the Oscar snub was personal. That's great that you're so pro-Whoopi Natasha but Whoopi wrote a book and said don't call her "African-American." She proudly talked about her ancestors that came over here on the Mayflower. Whoopi may be a part of your history but she ain't a part of mine.

by Isla
7:31 pm - Feb 26, '08

FU*K the oscars i tryed

FU*K the oscars i tryed watching and couldnt it was soooo damn boring! the ppl in the audience even looked bored! and i didnt understand why Ebony or Essence (which ever one is was) was throwing a pre oscar party etc. Only one black person was nominated!!