RHEA ANTHONY
It has been a busy week for Hollywood with both the MTV Video Music Awards and Primetime Emmys taking place within 24 hours of each other.
The VMAs were praised for featuring and showcasing empowered women; Beyoncé’s performance alone had feminists rejoicing.
In stark contrast, critics condemned the Emmys for showcasing a sketch believed to be sexist.
Modern Family star Sofia Vergara introduced president of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Bruce Rosenblum to the stage.
Mr Rosenblum then asked Vergara to stand on a rotating pedestal while he performed an ironic speech about diversity and evolving TV.
He finished his speech saying “what truly matters is that we never forget that our success is based on always giving the viewer something compelling to watch.”
The attempt at comedic irony was clear, however it did not dissuade the offence taken by viewers and critics.
Digital Operations Editor of TIME.com Sarah Begely said to pretend –[self-consciously]– like she’s just a body was a disservice to Vergara’s skills as an actress and comedian.
However Vergara said to Entertainment Weekly that critics had “no sense of humour.”
“It means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself,” Vergara said.
Ms Begely said whilst the sketch may have turned into a “commentary on how Hollywood actresses are objectified…[Rosenblum’s conclusion was] a straight-up justification for the sex-sells mentality.”
Watch the video here and decide for yourself whether the Emmys hit or missed the intended comedic mark.