Do Political Speeches at Award Shows Upset You? Blame the U.S. Government Tim Gray, provided by FacebookTwitterEmail Presenters and honorees at the April 4 SAG Awards are likely to air political views, which inevitably will inspire public indignation: “Why should anybody listen to you people?” Naysayers often see this as a 21st-century liberal conspiracy, but actually, it was the U.S. government that first encouraged Hollywood folks to speak out on issues. Before World War II, the studios kept a tight rein on people under contract; their personal convictions remained under wraps. After America entered the war in December 1941, the government wanted Hollywood’s assistance. The Office of War Information (OWI), which was launched in 1942, had its own Bureau of Motion Pictures; the primary goal was to make entertainment that would support the war effort.