On the 27th of March back in 1973, I was probably running around laughing and clapping in celebration of one of the ultimate achievements of childhood - potty training. My mother tells a story of how she nursed my bum back to it's current state of mocha brown after a failed attempt by yours truly to dry a pair of training panties while wearing them on the small SPACE HEATER IN THE BATHROOM. Thank God for small miracles - one of which is no recollection of this ordeal!
Another event that took place on this day was Sacheen Littlefeather's famous declination (on Marlon Brando's behalf) of the Best Actor Academy Award (video). Brando's boycott and refusal to accept the award was due to Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans in film.
From History.Com
Brando had been involved in social causes for years, speaking publicly in support of the formation of a Jewish state in the 1940s, as well as for African-American civil rights and the Black Panther Party. His Oscar statement expressed support for the American Indian Movement (AIM) and referenced the ongoing situation at Wounded Knee.
Maybe Denzel Washington should have refused his Oscar for Training Day. I remember during his acceptance speech he commented about the Academy "killing two birds"... referencing the fact that he and Halle Berry won Best Actress and Best Actor on the same night.
Well, I don't know about that. But what I do know IS there's a special level of Hell awaiting members of the Academy that "gave" the Oscar to Denzel over Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind)!
Just kidding about the level of Hell bit...
But surely seven years of bad luck are in order
