I left a comment on this blog entry and liked it so much, I decided to turn it into today’s post.

Here is my original comment:

“Caleb, I’m all for having one best lead and one best supporting performance category at the Oscars. But, as I hope you’re aware, we live in a sexist, misogynistic, patriarchal society which necessitates the categories being separated by sex because if they weren’t, women would never win. As you mentioned, there is no sex distinction for the Best Director category. One woman has won in 89 years.

You also mention that rap is dominated by men by “happenstance.” Men are most visible in rap and the most promoted in rap not because of happenstance, but because of sexism. Labels believe women rappers won’t sell as well, meanwhile, Cardi B had the best 2017 of anyone I know. And I would argue women rappers like Lizzo are far more talented and have far more interesting things to say than male rappers on her “level” of fame like Lil Uzi Vert or Tory Lanez.”

I do hope at some point there will be only one lead and one supporting acting category at the Academy Awards, but we’re not there yet. In 2018, Greta Gerwig is only the fifth woman to be nominated for Best Director and Dee Rees was completely snubbed. I mean, God forbid the Academy should nominate TWO women for Best Director.

What are your thoughts on this? How many of the nominated films have you seen?