Obama donors lose at Oscars

 Many of this year’s Oscar nominees have given generously to Obama and Democratic causes. Yet the majority of those donors didn’t take home a golden statue on Sunday.

New research from the Sunlight Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, finds there were plenty of Obama supporters among the big awards-show nominees, including acclaimed director Steven Spielberg. The DreamWorks Studios principal partner and “War Horse” producer has given a whopping $1.6 million to Democrats and more than $11,000 to Obama. His “War Horse” co-producer, Kathleen Kennedy, also donated $369,000 to Obama, as well as a number of other Democratic groups and candidates.

While “War Horse” was up for six awards (including Best Picture) at the 84th annual ceremony, Spielberg, Kennedy and the flick’s team left empty-handed, as the movie failed to win in any of its categories.

Best Actor nominee George Clooney has also given the commander in chief and Democrats quite a chunk of change — $178,000. But the “Descendants” star, who many thought might add a second Oscar to his trophy case for his dramatic turn in the film, lost out to “The Artist” actor Jean Dujardin.

Glenn Close, who earned accolades for her gender-bending role in “Albert Nobbs,” has donated nearly $48,000, to Obama, the Democratic National Committee and a host of other campaigns and initiatives. The Hollywood vet, however, didn’t get to deliver an acceptance speech. That honor belonged to Meryl Streep, who claimed the third Oscar of her career for “The Iron Lady.”

Chris Columbus has also given plenty of fundraising help to Obama, the DNC and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), making more than $57,000 in donations. But his Academy Award contender could’ve used a little help of its own on Sunday. While Octavia Spencer won for her role in “The Help,” which Columbus co-produced, the movie lost in the coveted Best Picture category.

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