China roasts Oscars over Hong Kong documentary, Nomadland director’s ‘loyalty’
- Do Not Split, about Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, and Chloe Zhao, who made Nomadland, targeted by state media
- Communist Party reportedly told media to play down Academy Awards, while in Hong Kong they will not be televised for the first time in over 50 years
The country has spent years “pining for Hollywood accolades”, according to entertainment magazine Variety, and state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has shown the awards live or on a delay since 2003. Online platforms in China, the world’s fastest-growing movie market, have also streamed the Oscars in the past.
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But Bloomberg News reported last month that the Communist Party’s propaganda department had ordered state-controlled media to play down the 93rd Academy Awards and also not show them live on April 25.
In Hong Kong, where Beijing is greatly tightening its grasp, the Oscars will not be televised for the first time in more than half a century, with broadcaster TVB saying it was “purely a commercial decision”.
Chinese state media has taken aim at the Oscars in recent weeks and in particular Do Not Split, about Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests.
Just days after its nomination in the short documentary category, the state-run Global Times made clear China’s disdain, saying the film “lacks artistry and is full of biased political stances”.
