Yesterday, during the 2012 Academy Awards, it was clear that Oscar nominee Demián Bichir was enjoying every single moment of the evening. And how could he not? The actor --only the second Mexican actor ever to be nominated for an Academy Award, after Anthony Quinn -- was basking in the recognition of his hard work and moving performance in 'A Better Life' where he acted as an undocumented immigrant working as a gardener in Los Angeles.Bichir happily attended the red carpet with his mom, renowned Mexican actress Maricruz Nájera, and his girlfriend, Canadian model and actress Stefanie Sherk.
But earlier in the evening, the actor was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on the famed red carpet. Following their their candid chat, Seacrest tweeted the following message: "Demian Bichir's story is incredible...the guy moved here from mexico and was making guacamole. Now he's nominated for an oscar"
With this, Seacrest essentially reduced Bichir's three-decade long struggle to earn his way to Hollywood respectability, to a stereotype. Seacrest made it sound as if Bichir is just 'another' Mexican laborer who somehow had an Oscar nomination dropped on his lap.
Bichir, 48, is recognized across Latin America as one of the region's top character actors, and over the past few years, he has made inroads into Hollywood, most notably with a role on Showtime's controversial show 'Weeds', along Mary-Louise Parker, and working with Steven Soderbergh's in his two-part 'Che' film. Among his upcoming projects is this year's 'Savages', helmed by Oliver Stone, who doesn't have a bad track record when it comes to Oscar nominations for his actors.
So, what was Ryan Seacrest thinking? Did he not do his homework? His remark quickly angered many people around the Twitterverse -- not only Latinos -- who called him ignorant and even racist.
What do you think of Ryan's words on Bichir?





Comments
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1 27 02
By gchad2003
OMG! He can only tweet 140 characters! It would be impossible to put 3 years worth of history in that! He was being upbeat and encouraging! Why are we so obssessed with being insulted? Not every one is being insulting everytime they speak! My goodness! Get over it!
Reply
1 27 02
By Barbara
I totally agree with you. Ryan was being supportive and did not intend to insult Mr. Bichir.
1 27 02
By theman
From guacamole to oscar winner in a heart beat by Ryan Seacrest.
1 27 02
By Millie
Exactly. Ryan Secrest is not the type to insult anyone intentionally.
1 27 02
By Beth Story
It was 3 decades- 30 years- not 3... but I agree. It was innocent. Ryan doesn't have a mean bone in his body!
1 27 02
By Leonor Guy
I agree...Ryan didn't mean it the way it's now being reported. I'm latin american and I certainly didn't think he said anything racist...on the contrary, I think it was a compliment. He's just saying that the guy has come a long way. It's ridiculous that this has even come up like this. People need to stop seeing racism where there is absolutely none at all.
1 27 02
By barbara
not 3 yrs../30 yrs
1 27 02
By Marina
I agree. It's getting to a point where one can't say anything about anything. We can't all be perfect. Do a rebuttal or like you say, get over it. The truth is no one really cares.
1 27 02
By gchad2003
Sorry! I did mean to say 30 years. Don't be offended!
1 27 02
By amanda
Get over it? Being that there is RARELY a Mexican included (unfairly so) in the events everyone needs to be careful.