At the Marrakech Film Festival, Sean Penn criticized the Oscars for stifling creativity and limiting cultural expressions. He praised films like 'The Florida Project' and directors like Ali Abassi while highlighting ongoing diversity issues within the Academy.
- Sean Penn has words for the Oscars
- He highlights its limitations in awarding
- Penn praised some directors and some films
Sean Criticizes Oscars' Limitations
“I don’t get very excited about what we’ll call the Academy Awards,” says Sean Penn to the press.
During the Marrakech Film Festival, actor Sean Penn expressed strong disapproval of the Academy Awards, accusing the organizers of limiting the types of films that can be funded and produced.
He described the Academy's actions as "really extraordinary cowardice" for stifling the imagination and cultural expressions. Penn, who received a career achievement award at the festival, mentioned that he only gets excited about the Oscars when certain films, such as Sean Baker’s 'The Florida Project' and Jacques Audiard’s 'Emilia Perez,' are nominated.
"The producers of the academy have exercised really extraordinary cowardice when it comes to being part of the world of expression and, in fact, have largely been part of limiting the imagination and limiting different cultural expressions," Penn said at the festival, where he received a career achievement award this week.
Penn's comments echo long-standing criticisms of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its lack of diversity both in its membership and the films it honors.
Despite recent efforts to reform and rebrand, the Academy has been criticized for not going far enough. The organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. The need for greater diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood remains a hot topic as the industry continues to evolve.
In addition to his critique, Penn praised Iranian-Danish director Ali Abassi and his film 'The Apprentice,' which faced distribution challenges in the U.S. ahead of the November election.
Penn remarked, "It’s kind of jaw-dropping how afraid this ‘business of mavericks’ is when they get a great film like that with great, great acting." The actor emphasized the industry's reluctance to embrace bold storytelling, comparing it to the fears of "a piddly little Republican congressman."
As part of a career tribute, the Marrakech Film Festival is screening four of Penn’s films this week in Morocco’s tourism capital. Local media in Morocco reported several audience members exiting a screening of 'Milk' during a scene that depicted two men in bed. Homosexuality is illegal under Morocco’s penal code, although cases are not frequently prosecuted.
Despite homosexuality being illegal in Morocco, such cases are rarely prosecuted. Penn, whose 2023 film 'Superpower' explores the war in Ukraine, also expressed support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and described himself as a “patriot in crisis” amid the current American political climate.
Throughout his career, Penn has spoken out on issues ranging from global conflicts to U.S. politics, climate change, and celebrity culture. His outspoken nature, combined with his reputation as an unfiltered and passionate individual, often leads to controversial critiques.
For example, his support for controversial political figures, such as Hugo Chávez, and his strong opinions on the Iraq War, have attracted criticism. Additionally, Penn has been an advocate for issues like the rights of marginalized groups, but his approach sometimes rubs people the wrong way, whether due to his blunt delivery or his choice of causes.
His willingness to confront both public figures and societal norms often divides opinion. While some admire his fearless stance, others criticize him for being overly idealistic or for making bold statements that seem disconnected from the practical realities of the issues he addresses.
This combination of activism and blunt critique makes Penn a polarizing figure in public discourse.
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His willingness to confront both public figures and societal norms often divides opinion. While some admire his fearless stance, others criticize him for being overly idealistic or for making bold statements that seem disconnected from the practical realities of the issues he addresses.
This combination of activism and blunt critique makes Penn a polarizing figure in public discourse.
