Michelle Obama Oscar's Appearance 'Inappropriate'? First Lady Sparks Debate

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 25, 2013

Michelle Obama stirred conversation about politics in Hollywood after presenting an Oscar Award on Sunday night.

Able to make her appearance via satellite, the First Lady presented Sunday night's top award for Best Picture from the White House.

"I'm so honored to help introduce this year's nominees for best picture," started Obama.

"[These films] taught us that love can beat all odds," the First Lady continued. "They reminded us that we can overcome any obstacle is we dig deep enough and fight hard enough and find the courage within ourselves."

Obama proceeded to name Ben Affleck's "Argo" as the winner.

The First Lady's presentation not only surprised some, but critics who felt that the display was "wildly inappropriate," as movie editor Richard Brody detailed.

"For anyone who doubted the Hollywood-Washington nexus; always happy to see Michelle Obama, but somehow, here, it's the wrong message," Brody posted to Twitter.

Conservative journalist Michelle Malkin agreed, tweeting, "Forget separation of church and state-we need separation of Hollywood and state."

However, Obama is not the first political power to associate with Hollywood awards ceremonies. Bill Clinton attended last month's Golden Globes where he presented the film "Lincoln."

Furthermore, hundreds of other viewers heralded Obama's presentation as "amazing," and the First Lady even made some of the night's Best-Dressed list with her Naeem Khan gown.

"I totally endorse Michelle Obama being a part of the Oscars," wrote Twitter user Jocelyn. "She's a wonderful woman as well."

Ben Affleck also gushed about the First Lady presenting Best Film award to him on Sunday, according to E! News.

"I was sort of hallucinating when that was happening," explained the actor and director. "It was very cool."

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the First Lady said that the Academy had approached her about presenting at the awards.

"As a movie lover, she was honored to present the award and celebrate the artists who inspire us all," the representative told The Washington Post. "Especially our young people, with their passion, skill and imagination."