Oscars on a political edge as Californians question Hollywood’s sway

A POLITICO/UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll shows California voters are wary of Hollywood’s political influence, with 48% saying the industry has too much sway and only 29% viewing Hollywood positively on American culture. Even as Oscar-nominee films push political themes, the Academy and host Conan O’Brien are expected to steer a careful, nonpartisan course to avoid alienating audiences, reflecting a broader tension between entertainment and activism in a heavily liberal state.