Megan Markle's joyous celebration is in full swing as her short film, "The After," secures a nomination for the 2024 Oscars in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
The Academy's recognition adds another feather to the cap of the project, which has been gaining acclaim. Notably, Megan Markle shares a close friendship with the film's director, Misson Haron, who is currently serving as the chair of the South Bank Center.
Misson Haron, known for his role as the director of "The After," holds a significant position as the chair of the South Bank Center. In 2021, he captured the photograph that Megan and Prince Harry used to announce their second pregnancy.
This close connection highlights the personal and professional ties that Meghan shares with the talented director. The Duchess of Sussex has been a vocal supporter of the project, publicly expressing her endorsement back in November during an LA tastemakers event, where she engaged with the director and the film's lead actor, David Ulu.
"The After" has already accumulated several accolades, securing the Best Short Film award at the Astero Film Awards and the African-American Film Critics Association. This impressive track record further underscores the success of Misson Haron's directorial debut, which premiered at the opening night of the Holly Shorts Film Festival on August 10th, earning the title of Best Live Action.
Amid the excitement of the Oscars nomination, a source revealed intriguing details in a blind item. Apparently, Megan Markle had requested Misson Haron to accompany her on the Oscar red carpet, a proposition that he allegedly declined due to what was described as her "ridiculous demands." The source hinted at Markle's desire for final say on presenter scripts to ensure no jokes about the "Harkle" duo and to insist on receiving praise.
However, the blind item also suggested that Megan's absence during the SAG after-strike and her lack of social media support for the cause might have hindered her standing in Hollywood. Her decision to sit next to Ted Sandos at a Beyoncé concert during the strike drew criticism, reflecting on how her choices may have alienated industry colleagues. Hollywood, known for its long memory, may not easily forget such actions.
Despite her association with Netflix and her aspirations as a producer, Megan Markle's alleged exclusion from the Oscars reflects the industry's sentiments. The blind item speculates on the potential impact on Misson's career if he chooses Markle as his plus one, emphasizing the delicate nature of Hollywood associations and the risks of being openly linked with the controversial duo.
The blinds item also touches upon the concept of being "markled" – a term implying negative consequences associated with aligning with Meghan and Harry. It suggests that this could be a real concern for professionals in the industry, questioning if Misson Haron fully comprehends the potential ramifications.
In the realm of awards, the blind item hints at the possibility that Megan may never be nominated for highly esteemed awards, implying that her recognition might be confined to those that can be "bought and paid for." The intricate web of personal and professional dynamics surrounding Megan Markle's involvement in the film industry continues to unfold, adding layers of complexity to her journey beyond the glitz of the red carpet.
