Sally Field...awards jinx

Years ago when Sally Field rushed up to the podium to accept an OSCAR for her award-winning performance in "Norma Rae", an unadulterated moment of joy overcame her and she blurted out to the jaded Tinseltown power-players in the plush auditorium,

"You like me! You really like me!"

How could they not love a flying Nun, for heaven's sake?

Notwithstanding, that brief misstep has gone down in Showbiz annals as one of the most embarrassing moments in Oscar History.

Of course, many others run a close second.

For example, when winning for best supporting actress in "Julia", Vanessa Redgrave thanked Hollywood for having,

"...refused to be intimidated by the threats of a small bunch of Zionist hoodlums...whose behavior is an insult to the stature of Jews all over the world and to their great and heroic record of struggle against fascism and oppression."

Um, I thought this was an Oscar celebration, not a political segment on Sixty Minutes, Ms. Redgrave.

Then there was the outrageous, zesty moment when Cuba Gooding Jr., best supporting actor for "Jerry Maguire", bellowed out to the startled masses viewing from their idiot boxes at home,

"I love you Tom Cruise! I love you, brother! I love you, man! Everybody, I love you. I love you all. Cameron Crowe! James L. Brooks! James L. Brooks, I love you. Everybody who's involved with this, I love you. I love you. Everybody involved."

And who could forget the stunning moment when Sacheen Littlefeather sashayed on stage in Marlon Brando's stead when he won for best actor for "The Godfather"?

On his behalf, she mumbled to an astonished crowd,

"...awards in this country at this time are inappropriate to be received or given until the condition of the American Indian is drastically altered. If we are not our brother's keeper, at least let us not be his executioner."

Say what?

Then, there was James Cameron's ego-inspired,

"I am King of the World".

So, last night everyone held their collective breath as Ms. Field stepped lively to the stage to accept her EMMY Award for best performance in the Television Drama "Brothers & Sisters".

As she began to ramble, the audience started to mutter, "...there she goes again".

When the producers pulled the plug on the talented actress near the end of her speech, some thought it was due to her unfortunate political remarks about the War.

However, Fox issued a terse statement noting that the action was taken due to the fact Field spoke the words "God" and "Damn" in unison; for this reason alone, they asserted, the cameras zoomed elsewhere - leaving her in a lurch.

Oh yes, on occasions such as these, it is difficult to remember that Fox is actually a family network, with an ongoing mandate to provide wholesome, family entertainment to the American people.

Notwithstanding, it is difficult to fathom sometimes how it is that an actor - oftentimes paid millions of dollars to emote on camera, or on the celebrated boards in The Big Apple - more-often-than-not - has to struggle to make sense of a two-minute acceptance speech without p**ing their pants!

On this occasion, Ms. Field was unwittingly humbled by the elusive award ceremony "jinx" - known to unexpectedly descend without warning or sympathy - when an actor boldly stumbles up on stage with the bright idea to seize the auspicious moment to promote a social or political cause.

Most assuredly, as demonstrated over time immemorial, the ominous spirit of the jinx intervenes at that fateful moment, if only to ensure that said performer puts foot squarely in mouth.

It happens to the best of 'em, Ms. Field!

A piece of advice?

Next time, take a cue from Elizabeth Taylor.

When she approached the podium to accept an Oscar for her performance in "Butterfield 8" a number of years ago, she clutched her Golden Statuette graciously, then eloquently uttered two simple words: Thank you!

Now, that's class...