The Oscars are the glitziest night of the year in Hollywood and millions across the globe tune in, but they threaten to be a dud in China after the nomination of a Hong Kong protest documentary.
Beijing-born filmmaker Chloe Zhao, who is touted to win big for her acclaimed American road movie “Nomadland”, has also faced criticism back home after some questioned her loyalty to China.
The country has spent years “pining for Hollywood accolades”, according to entertainment magazine Variety, and state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has shown the awards live or on a delay since 2003.
Online platforms in China, the world’s fastest-growing movie market, have also streamed the Oscars in the past.
It was reported last month that the ruling Communist Party’s propaganda department has ordered state-controlled media to play down the 93rd Academy Awards and also not show them live on April 25.
In Hong Kong, where Beijing is greatly tightening its grasp, the Oscars will not be televised for the first time in more than half a century, with broadcaster TVB saying it was “purely a commercial decision”.
Chinese state media has taken aim at the Oscars in recent weeks and in particular “Do Not Split”, about Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests.
Just days after its nomination in the short documentary category, the state-run media made clear China’s disdain, saying the film “lacks artistry and is full of biased political stances”.
Anders Hammer, who made “Do Not Split”, said that he was delighted by the reaction.
“Beijing has helped us a lot,” said the Norwegian.
“The main aim of making a documentary is not to win the Oscar but to bring attention to the critical situation in Hong Kong.
“We have received so much more attention.”
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