Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to take a huge gamble in what could be a “make or break moment” for them in Hollywood.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020 and have since made inroads into Hollywood with a bumper multi-year deal with Netflix and the creation of their own production company.
But entertainment expert Mark Boardman warned “their integration into the A-list has been slower than anticipated” although they could now be presented with the perfect opportunity to pump huge momentum into their brand.
He said: “Attending the Oscars could be a make-or-break moment for them. The Oscars is the biggest showbiz night of the year and it celebrates the best of the movie world, and whilst this year’s nominations have been criticized…the ceremony remains a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations, influencing trends, and showcasing the incredible talent and creativity that cinema offers, and everyone who’s anyone will be there.”
The 96th Academy Awards take place in Los Angeles on March 10 and will see Hollywood’s elite rub shoulders at an event watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle set to be offered dream role in ‘one of the biggest TV deals’ in history
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to Daily Express US
“Meghan, in particular, could finally land the blockbuster roles she’s aiming for if she makes the right connections and really wants it to happen.
“A well-received appearance could reposition the Sussexes as cultural influencers, and not just tabloid staples.”
He added: “Imagine them championing important causes from the Oscars stage, or better being asked to present an award thus cementing their status as Hollywood royalty with a conscience.
“Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s presence at the Oscars could signal a definitive shift in public perception, transitioning them from royal figures to bona fide Hollywood players.”
But the entertainment expert also warned that any appearance from Harry and Meghan at the Oscars comes with equal risk as one mistake “could leave them bruised and tabloid fodder”.
Boardman concluded: “At such an event, every smile, every handshake will be dissected and analysed. One awkward encounter could become endless tabloid fodder, derailing their carefully crafted image.
“Ultimately, the Oscars are a double-edged sword. Success could propel them toward Hollywood royalty, while a misstep could leave them bruised and tabloid fodder. They can also be a magnet for negativity.
“Attending could reignite criticism of their perceived disconnect from real-world issues, especially if their recent actions don’t align with the causes they champion.”
