Dubai: Hollywood Professionals Slam Jonathan Glazer’s Controversial Speech at the 2024 Academy Awards
More than 450 Jewish stars and other Hollywood professionals have come together to criticize writer-director Jonathan Glazer’s speech at the 2024 Academy Awards, as reported in an open letter published by Variety.
Controversial Comments at the Oscars
During his acceptance speech for the best international feature award, Glazer made controversial connections between his Holocaust film and the conflict in Gaza. He stated, “Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. It’s shaped all of our past and present.”
He further added, “Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people.”
Hollywood Stars React
In response to Glazer’s comments, various prominent figures in the movie industry expressed their disapproval. Actors Debra Messing, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Julianna Margulies, and Brett Gelman, along with director Eli Roth, writer Amy Sherman-Palladino, and producer Amy Pascal were among those who signed the open letter.
Distortion of History
The letter addressed the concern over the use of terms like ‘occupation’ to describe the situation in Israel, stating that it distorts history and fuels anti-Jewish sentiment. It emphasized the importance of recognizing Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people, especially in the face of growing antisemitism.
The controversy surrounding Glazer’s speech highlights the complex and sensitive nature of discussing historical events and current conflicts in the public sphere, particularly within the entertainment industry.