There’s no contest with regard to the most memorable moment from the 2017 Academy Awards,
That title goes to the jaw-dropping “Steve Harvey moment” that ended the night, as presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as Best Picture, when the award actually belonged to Moonlight.
But while that epic goof-up might be grabbing the majority of today’s headlines, it wasn’t the only controversial moment surrounding one of the night’s top prizes.
Casey Affleck took home the Best Actor Oscar for his heart-wrenching performance in Manchester By the Sea, but not everyone was thrilled to see the 41-year-old step out from under his older brother’s shadow.
The dark cloud of some heinous sexual harassment accusations loomed large over Affleck’s Oscar campaign, and many felt the actor should be removed from consideration as a result.
The alleged incidents took place in 2010, while Affleck was directing the mockumentary film I’m Still Here with his then-brother-in-law, Joaquin Phoenix.
The matter was settled out of court, but Affleck’s accusers maintain that he abused his power and persistently subjected them to harassment and other inappropriate behavior.
As is customary, Affleck’s award was presented by Brie Larson, who took home the Best Actress prize for Room at last year’s awards.
Larson played a sexual assault survivor in the film and she’s been an outspoken advocate for victims’ rights throughout her career.
Needless to say, the Academy’s decision to put her in a position where she would be presenting an award to an alleged sexual predator didn’t sit well with many viewers.
Larson’s apparent disdain for Affleck, however, was widely praised:
Many noted that Larson didn’t applaud when Affleck received his award, and it’s being widely interpreted as the actress’ way of subtly protesting the win.
“Y’all made Brie Larson, an advocate for sexual assault survivors, present Casey Affleck, a sexual predator, with an Oscar,” tweeted one viewer.
Another wrote simply:
“BRIE LARSON NOT CLAPPING IS MY HERO”
Affleck’s nomination sparked countless debates about where the arts community should draw the line in terms of behavior so inexcusable that it should end a career.
That debate will likely rage on following his win last night.
But at least those who were outraged by Affleck’s victory can take solace in knowing that however subtle her understated her show of disapproval may have been, Brie Larson made her feelings known on the night’s biggest stage.
