A Question About the Oscars (and Similar Events with Older Legends)
Is there a point where someone simply doesn’t belong on stage anymore?
Watching the Oscars presentation last night sparked a question about seeing legendary older stars in public, and particularly their presence onstage in declining health and sometimes reduced mental faculties.
Two episodes from last night’s show made me ponder this question.
Liza Minnelli (one of the best live performers I’ve ever seen onstage–I saw her about 15 years ago in Las Vegas) was one of the final presenters. This was the 50th anniversary of her win for Caberet and she came on in a wheelchair and seemed partially out of it. The awkward moment was completely saved by Lady Gaga, who showed wonderful grace and stage awareness by allowing Minnelli to make the final announcement, though it was a shaky moment, for sure.
I also had some doubts Anthony Hopkins would make it through the presentation (he won Best Actor last year and presented the leading actress award). He repeated himself a few times and looked confused during his delivery, even though he used a teleprompter.
A few years ago, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway experienced some difficulties. Both were onstage and flubbed the “Best Picture” award (though that mistake wasn’t their fault). We’ve seen other screen legends struggle on Hollywood’s biggest night, sometimes in cringeworthy fashion.
My first instinct here is that I’d much rather see older moviestars than not, even if they’re not close to 100 percent. Wheelchairs, walkers, whatever. Bring it. I think most fans (and the live audience agrees) as these legends always receive standing ovations, which is a nice moment. But we’ve also seen Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman, and others vow to never do public events again for reasons which I’m sure are very personal and well-reasoned. I don’t like the idea of anyone being “too old” for anything, and even the idea of keeping someone who has earned the right to be included off of the show is troubling.
By the way, the same principle applies to musicians, sports stars, and others — not just moviestars. I like seeing them all, but I also can understand why show organizers (and many stars themselves) are reluctant to have them on the show and risk an embarrassment.
Do you think there’s a point where someone simply doesn’t belong on stage? Thoughts?
Might the same concerns apply to authors or any other occupation whose “stage” is the Internet? 8;)