Black Director Speaks Out on Oscar Snub

Director of Shame says Americans are too "too scared of sex"

British Director Steve McQueen has spoken out on the Oscar shut-out of his 2011 film, Shame. Although the movie won worldwide critical acclaim, it got no love from the Academy, leaving the star of Shame, Michael Fassbender, out of the Best Actor race.

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The film, which deals with sexual addiction in a frank and provocative manner, hasn't seemed to resonate with American audiences. McQueen said, "In America, they're too afraid of sex, that's why he wasn't nominated. If you look at the Best Actor list, you're saying 'Michael Fassbender isn't on this list?'" 

McQueen then goes on to say, "It's kind of crazy, but that's how it is. It's an American award, so let them have it."

Regardless, the lack of Oscar love isn't slowing down McQueen's rising star.  The director has been tapped to direct 12 Years A Slave based on the real life story of Solomon Northrup - a free-born African American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, and later sued his traders. The project is slated for a 2013 release. 

Shame will be released on DVD in Spring 2012.

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