The Oscars are often referred to as “the Super Bowl of award shows, ” while the Super Bowl is tagged as “the Oscars of football.” Both are American pastimes whose televised spectacles reach worldwide audiences. Most recently, I’ve had some visions regarding potential outcomes of both. Now, I’m not saying I know the winners, but I’m picking up some key energies in the worlds of film and football.
I’ve never been a follower of pro ball, but millions are. And, as far as Super Bowl shows go, the only thing I recall from recent years is that singer Janet Jackson had a peek-a-boo wardrobe snafu during a halftime performance. Needless to say, I’m not the go-to man for answers on pigskin statistics. But, here’s what I’m receiving: There will be considerable focus on one of the quarterbacks. Specifically, he’ll make significant errors, to include fumbling. It’ll be an off-night for the athlete, perhaps due to personal issues he’s combatting. The take away for fans is that gridiron idols are even prone to making human mistakes (despite the hefty salaries) and that those shouldn’t tarnish his passion for the game.
Moving on to movies. This year’s Academy Award nominees spotlight films that feature sterling performances (Meryl Streep in “The Iron Lady,” Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in “The Help,” George Clooney in “The Descendants,” among others). Even though marquee names often draw the most red carpet attention on Oscar night, I’m sensing that the Martin Scorsese-directed “Hugo” will have it’s share of Oscar glory.
Regardless of which movies are heralded, films have an ability to shed light on subjects that merit reflection outside the cineplex. Topics such as female leadership in a male-dominated arena in “The Iron Lady,” racial inequalities in “The Help,” and land preservation in “The Descendants,” come to mind. As theatergoers, we munch on popcorn, but films with messages give us something else to digest.
I also want to share a vision that I’ve had of another American idol: a national leader. I expect that in the coming months, a funeral will be held for a person of historical significance, as I’ve seen images of a military service, complete with the presentation of the flag to family survivors. I was also shown that flags would be flown at half-mast. The leader’s transition seems sudden and doesn’t appear to be tied to an ongoing health battle. Such news often brings Americans closer as one, despite all of our differences. Events like this shouldn’t be the exception for unity. I, for one, am tired of the media and political players telling Americans that we live in either red states or blue states.
Last time I checked, I live in the United States.
Love and light,
Tony