When actors go off script

Regarding “Oscar Talk” [Jan. 29]: Nicole Kidman is quoted: “[Donald Trump is] now elected and we, as a country, need to support who’s ever the president because that’s what the country’s based on.” She is 100% wrong. When Trump departs from the country’s values, as he did during his very first week in office, it’s time for you and every other person to oppose him and his departure from those principles. Ray McKown Los Angeles

Thank you for “Oscar Talk.” Please keep up the good reporting on what various actors think about our new president. I particularly appreciate it when you cover actors and actresses in $12,000 suits and gowns at $3,000 award dinners lecturing those of us who actually work for a living on how ignorant we are regarding politics.

I am making a list of of actors and actresses I have lost all interest in seeing. You see, I don’t enjoy attending films when the stars in them have insulted me. Call me crazy, but why would I give my ticket money to a man or woman who thinks I’m an idiot? Ray Shelton Glendale

I love movies. Always have. I have hosted an Oscar party for my lady friends for 25 years. I appreciate the talent, effort and commitment that actors put forth in their roles. But over the last few years, Oscar night has become a platform for the Hollywood elite to express their personal political rhetoric, which is generally insulting, offensive and sometimes even vulgar. Meryl Streep, an extraordinary talent, was high on my list of the best until this year’s Golden Globes. Her acceptance speech was inappropriate, as she never really addressed her award. Well rehearsed, she uttered a diatribe against the newly elected president, as if her opinion were of any importance. Then I read that one of the reasons she was nominated for an Oscar this year was because of the political views she expressed at the Golden Globes [“The Envelope: Surprised by These 5?” Jan. 26]. That is an insult to every other nominee. So I’m done with Hollywood and the hypocrisy and will have a Valentine party instead. Marylane Graham Costa Mesa

Academy Award nominees should not be muzzled about speaking out, whether it be about global warming or a dysfunctional president. The awards afford them a much-needed platform to speak to millions of people around the world. According to the 1st Amendment, they have the right to express their opinions. Phyllis Landis Oceanside

I didn’t watch the SAG Awards this year. If I want to hear about politics, I watch legitimate news stations or read The Times instead of listening to a bunch of rich people who pretend they care and who think their opinion is wanted on a show that is supposed to be entertainment. Jerry West Pasadena