British filmmaker Steve McQueen's "Shame" — about a New York City sex addict who has to face his issues once his sister visits — received worldwide critical acclaim for the Black director. Despite these accolades, the film was snubbed by the Oscars as it received no nominations. Even lead Michael Fassbender was shut out. When asked about the snub, the Cannes winner said "In America, they're too afraid of sex, that's why he [Fassbender] wasn't nominated," adding, "It's kind of crazy, but that's how it is. It's an American award, so let them have it."

Despite the lack of love from the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, McQueen, like fellow snubbed director Dee Rees of "Pariah," will be just fine. He's slated to direct a real-life story account of Solomon Northrup, a free Black American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. "Shame" comes to DVD this spring. 

Are Americans scared of sex or is McQueen mistaking this for what's really another racially-based decision on the Academy's part?