We Absolutely Need Social Activism at the Oscars — and More

Sacheen Littlefeather at the 45th Academy Awards

The Gold Medal, formerly known as the Photoplay Magazine Medal of Honor, preceded the Oscar as a symbol of recognition awarded to a motion picture considered worthy of high regard. However, the Oscars have been established as both a serious institution that is an authority on taste, as well as a star-studded ceremonial show of glamour, image creation, and in more recent times, social…