I don't even know what it is about Malcolm, but just his name, his legacy, evokes more strong and inexplicable reaction from people than most recent historical figures. Shit -- I've met Mexican dudes that hate his ass more than Nixon or Kissinger or any of them, you know?

I just think the Academy didn't want to invite debate or controversy, so they just gave the cupcake, lollipop, sweet little award to Pacino for giving a memorable speech, then waited 10+ to give Denzel the make-up award. At least he finally got it, is all I really think about that.

Plus it gives Spike another totally appropriate thing to be salty about being overlooked for, which probably helps his art in the end.