Page 2 ~ February 27, 2015/THE VILLAGER www.theaustinvillager.com THE COMMUNIQUÉ BIRDMAN, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL Combine for 8 Academy Awards - SELMA Wins 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “The Grand Budapest took to the stage Hotel” took home Makeup making an acceptance & Styling, Original Score, speech drawing attention Production Design and to voting rights and incar- Costume Design. ceration. The audience en- “Nina Simone said joyed performances by it’s an artist’s duty to re- Jack Black, Jennifer flect the times in which we Hudson, Lady Gaga, Anna live. We wrote this song Kendrick, Adam Levine Neil Patrick Harris with David Oyelowo during the for a film that was based with Maroon 5, Tim live ABC Telecast of The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® The- on events that were 50 McGraw, Rita Ora and atre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015. years ago. But we say that Tegan and Sara with The Selma is now because the Lonely Island. Oscar® presenters actress Kerry Washington and ac- struggle for justice is right Finally, Oprah tor Jason Bateman onstage during the live ABC Telecast of now,” expressed Legend. Winfrey, Chiwetel Ejiofor, The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA He continued with a pow- Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Credit: Mark Suban / erful statement, “There Ansel Elgort, Kerry Wash- ©A.M.P.A.S. are more black men under ington, Nicole Kidman, correctional control today David Oyelowo, Liam than were under slavery in Neeson, Viola Davis, 1850.” Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita “Birdman” and “The Nyong’o, Kevin Hart, and Grand Budapest Hotel” Channing Tatum were tied for most wins, with some of the presenters at four Academy Awards this year’s Oscars. Craig each. “Birdman” scored Zadan and Neil Meron pro- wins for Best Picture, Best duced the show. Director, Best Original For a complete list of Screenplay and Cinema- winners, go to tography. www.osars.org. “L.I.F.E.” Love, Lupita Nyong'o presents the Oscar® for Best Actor in Insecurities, a Supporting Role during the live ABC Telecast of The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sun- Oprah Winfrey watches the live ABC Telecast of The Friends and day, February 22, 2015. 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Credit: Darren Decker / Envy. As he’s pushed forward, he established “Be Posi- ©A.M.P.A.S. tive,” a platform and campaign for youth to help them CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 stay on the right track using positivity and right actions. America to make sure I had a decent life, but also He is now an active vlogger, busy writer, an interview gave me good education and fulfilled all my needs.” subject and more. When his video interview with My Once he made it through school and got accepted Path Builder was posted, it described him as an entre- in a few colleges, he thought going to check out some preneur, disciple, scholar, mentor, author, award win- of those colleges would be his next step. Those plans ner, activist and philanthropist. Scott also has a huge were derailed when a high school guidance counselor social media presence and a massive following. told him that without papers and a social security num- In July 2012, he launched his first book. He ex- ber, he would not be able to attend college in the U.S. plained that the title, “L.I.F.E.” is an acronym for Love, Thanks to his mother’s hard work and sacrifice, he went Insecurities, Friends and Envy. It also addresses life, to community college for two years. Eventually he at- family, and other relevant issues like bullying and self- tended Medgar Evers College, but he didn’t finish be- esteem. He dedicated this work to those who lack con- cause his mother couldn’t afford it. After a season he fidence, self-esteem, and motivation. Speaking to his resumed his studies at Kingsborough Community Col- readers he said, “To everyone out there with poor self lege where he obtained his A.S. In Business Adminis- image and poor quality friend who aren’t there to see tration. He still felt like striving for more, because he you through hardship and adversity, to the millions of still lacked legal papers, a work permit, a state ID and people with insecurities and believe they’re not good a SSN. Soon after his realization that there were still enough to be successful, happy, or loved. I want you to some limitations trying to block him, he came to under- know that things aren’t always as bad as they seem, stand how much he needed to apply his faith and to and you will grow through what you go through.” leverage a strong dose of perseverance in order to over- He said he gained confidence through writing. He come the roadblocks. He defines perseverance as ‘keep stated that his parents have inspired him through their on keeping on” and defines it thusly,” It borrows strength example and support. “They enable me to be an edu- from resilience and optimism and brushes elbows with cated, responsible black young man in society and all courage along the way.” what I am today,” said Scott.