Flashback 2013: Oscar Nominees Award Democrats Millions in Political Money

Flashback 2013. Open Secret reports:

Politicians watching the Oscars this weekend of course will be seeing stars, just like the rest of us. But many of them — Democrats, at least — may see something much more alluring: dollar signs.

Celebrities have long been known for their left-leaning activism, and this year’s Academy Award nominees did nothing to break the mold. In fact, although the nominees and their families have shelled out more than $3.6 million in federal political contributions of more than $200 since 1990, almost nothing – just $4,000 from Steven Spielberg – landed in Republican coffers.

Unfortunately for some of this year’s nominees, politicians have no say when it comes to the Academy’s choices. If the White House had its way, for example, three films would walk away with top honors this weekend. “Lincoln” was a clear favorite for President Obama, who invited the cast and crew for a White House screening. Fortunately for him, the film’s nominees love him back, but nominees from his other favorite, “Silver Linings Playbook,” weren’t so giving. First Lady Michelle’s pick was “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” though its nominees made no political contributions.

Of the 51 actors, directors and producers nominated for the top six categories (Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Director and Best Picture), 25 nominees or their spouses have contributed to a political candidate or committee since 1990. Most supported Obama either in 2008 or 2012, or both. And in Congress, Oscar nominees tended to play favorites with Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).

The Harvey Weinstein wing of the Democrat party.