Senator Urges Oscar Bosses To Recognize Victims Of America’s Nuclear Testing During Telecast’s ‘Oppenheimer’ Celebrations

deadline.com:

Conservatives often criticize awards shows peppered with overtly political statements, but one GOP senator has written a letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors asking them to do include just those sort of messages in this year’s telecast.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) wants the Academy to include the story of those who have suffered as a result of America’s nuclear testing in its celebration of the most-nominated film during this year’s Oscar ceremony. “Public interest in J.

Robert Oppenheimer’s life story has never been greater, and the ongoing significance of his legacy will undoubtedly be a major focus at the 96th Academy Awards,” wrote Hawley in reference to Oppenheimer, which garnered 13 nominations. “As you continue preparations for the ceremony on March 10, I write to urge you to include programming that recognizes the victims of America’s nuclear testing.” Hawley has been fighting to get Congress to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (which would compensate victims) before it expires in a few months.

Last year, he pushed an amendment to the massive National Defense Authorization Act that would have done just that. Hawley even threatened to hold up the entire authorization over the issue.