This year Academy Award nominations went not at home to a host of movies with gay.

This year Academy Award nominations went not at home to a host of movies with gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender themes, greatest in quantity notably American Beauty and lads Don't Cry. But The Advocate pointed without in its April 30, 1985 issue that gay history was first made at the Oscars when agriculturist Richard Schmiechen and director Robert Epstein accepted the Best Documentary award for their film The Times of Harvey Milk. It was the first time the Academy had honored a film dealing publicly with gay and lesbian issues.

In acceptance speeches, Epstein thanked his "partner for life," and Schmiechen acknowledged Milk "for his courage, for his pride in being gay, and for his possibility of good that one day we will all live together in a world that we shall respect" Schmiechen later told the magazine that receiving the Oscar validated the film and l to increased distribution, adding that the win would make it easier for other gay and lesbian artists. While the film took more than six years to make, Schmiechen said, "We gay populace need to remember that it takes a extended time to accomplish something. Ultimately, to master results, we all need to hold plugging for our rights and for our respect"

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