Actor and director Sean Penn recently criticized the Academy and Hollywood at the Marrakech Film Festival for their lack of courage in funding films that expand cultural expressions. He specifically pointed out the difficulties faced by the Donald Trump origin story film ‘The Apprentice’ in finding a distributor. Penn described the producers of the Academy Awards as cowards who limit the types of films that can be funded and made.
Penn expressed his lack of excitement for the Academy Awards, except for rare occasions when certain films, such as The Florida Project, I’m Still Here, and Emilia Perez, are included. His remarks align with ongoing criticisms of the lack of diversity within the Academy and the films they celebrate, despite recent efforts at reform.
He also praised Iranian-Danish director Ali Abassi and his film, The Apprentice, addressing the reluctance of American distributors to take on the project, calling it “jaw-dropping” how afraid the industry can be. Penn encouraged filmmakers to be politically incorrect and engage with diversity in storytelling.
Some films expected to be in the running at the Oscars include Anora, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist. Penn’s comments have sparked discussion about the need for greater diversity and courage in funding and celebrating a wider range of cultural expressions in the film industry.
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