The new President Trump has imposed an executive order, which restricts travel and immigration for citizens of seven countries. The countries include: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The order restricts travel for the next 90 days.
Many entertainers say that because of this order they will be missing the biggest night in film, the Oscars. Asghar Farhadi, director of “The Salesman” will not be attending the awards show even if he is exempt from the travel restrictions. He made a statement to the New York Times saying, “I neither had the intention to not attend nor did I want to boycott the event… However, it now seems that the possibility of this presence is being accompanied by ifs and buts which are in no way acceptable to me even if exceptions were to be made for my trip.”
The film’s star Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti made a statement that she will not attend the awards in protest.
The Syrian star Hala Kamil, of the documentary “Watani: my Homeland” will also not be able to attend the event due to the restrictions.
Rob Shuter editor in chief of Naughty Gossip claims that most actors will not boycott the event because they would not miss the chance to win. Rich Davis explained on his talk show that boycotting an award show does not solve much. He also expects the event to become very political this year. Montana Miller said, “Many of the most respected artists in Hollywood are committed to speaking out against social injustice, and these award shows are an important platform for them to do so.”
The Oscars will air February 26th on ABC and Jimmy Kimmel will host.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/29/politics/how-the-trump-administration-chose-the-7-countries