Nothing is more American than Hollywood, right? But even that industry has been so globalized that Sunday’s Oscars might have been handed out in Sydney, London or Mumbai. The only acting winner born in the USA was best actor Sean Penn. Best picture “Slumdog Millionaire” was produced by a British company, co-financed by a French distributor, released by a company owned by Aussie Rupert Murdoch, and filmed with a largely Indian cast and crew. Supporting actor winners were Penelope Cruz (Spain) and the late Heath Ledger (Australia). Even the show’s engaging host was foreign-born, Aussie Hugh Jackman, apparently a first (if you count Bob Hope as American). Michael Medved blogged: “While the movie industry relies on the international market for more and more of its revenues, the televised Oscar broadcast won’t get healthy again until it reconnects with the American mainstream.”
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