Why Casey Affleck won’t attend Oscars

In another apparent consequence of the #MeToo movement, last year’s best actor Oscar winner Casey Affleck will not be presenting at or attending the 90th Academy Awards.

Affleck’s publicist said Thursday that the actor would not be at the ceremony on March 4 where, traditionally, he would have been expected to present the award for best actress as the reigning best actor winner. A film academy spokesperson said they “appreciate the decision to keep the focus on the show and on the great work of this year.”

The Manchester by the Sea actor faced sexual harassment allegations in 2010 in two public civil suits during the production of the mockumentary I’m Still Here. The suits were settled for undisclosed sums and Affleck has said that the terms of the settlement prevent him from discussing the matter.

While the lawsuits were covered in the press at the time, the allegations gained additional attention in 2016 following the ruination of director and star Nate Parker’s awards chances after past rape allegations surfaced against him. Many wondered if there was a racially related double standard that would allow Affleck to go on to win the best actor award at the Oscars.

Hardly any aspect of the awards season has been unaffected by the #MeToo movement. With Affleck stepping down, one of the biggest questions has been answered. —AP