Leave it to George Clooney to tell it like it is — they all know it’s dirty business, Oscar campaigning.  They all probably hate doing it.  But they know they have to do it.  It’s all about the business of Hollywood.  You can maybe be Katharine Hepburn, Terrence Malick or Woody Allen and not show up to promote your film but most every decent actor who wants to keep working knows that you have to play the game — they are worked hard and put away wet.  There’s no business like show business.  I don’t think anyone believes that awards-givers, be they the AMPAS or the BFCA, or especially the Golden Globes — even the NYFCC and the LAFCA have their moments — give out their awards based solely on merit.  Of all of them, the LAFCA seems most invested in rewarding the actual performances.  The rest of them get swept up in the moment, the popularity of the stars or filmmakers, the likability — the fuckability.  And so it goes.  Here is an excerpt from the Clooney story:

“I had just come out of Oscar season and you really do campaign, like kissing babies,” he said.

“By the time it’s over, you sort of feel unclean.

“You want to do something that makes you feel better.”

Following his first trip to the war-torn country with his father, George donated money to build a well and huts, but soon learned to use other ways than his wealth to help the African territory because of what happened to his gifts.

“A year later, the next-door villagers — who wanted water and needed shelter — killed some people to get to that well and shelter,” he said.

“It’s devastating. We have to be very careful –- sometimes helping is not throwing money at a problem.”

George believes other celebrities should follow his lead and use their positions to help the world.

“There is ever more attention on celebrity than ever – and there is a use for that besides selling products,” he added.

“We can’t make policy but we can ‘encourage’ politicians more than ever before.”

Those with a conscience pay it forward.  Those without?  Well, there’s always Oscar season to put things back into perspective.  Mr. Clooney will be greasing up the wheels for this year with The Descendants and The Ides of March.