Actor Sean Penn recently spoke out to criticize the organizers of the prestigious Academy Awards, calling them “cowards” for their alleged restrictions on the types of films that can be financed and made. The bold stance from the 64-year-old actor came as he spoke at the Marrakech Film Festival, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sean Penn said his enthusiasm for the Oscars is rare, only getting excited when films he likes are nominated. He criticized the academy’s producers for being extraordinarily cowardly when it comes to their participation in the world of expression, noting that they have done much to limit imagination and diverse cultural expression.
Criticizing the lack of diversity within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and in the films honored by the awards, Sean Penn expressed his disagreement with the reforms recently undertaken by the academy, judging them insufficient. It is worth noting that his position joins the already numerous voices denouncing this problem within the film industry.
Sean Penn also supported the Iranian-Danish director Ali Abassi, praising his latest film “The Apprentice” dealing with President Donald Trump, which had difficulty finding a distributor in the United States before the presidential election. The actor deplored the perpetual fears and reluctance of the industry in the face of quality works and the relevance of the subjects addressed, thus evoking a harmful conservatism.
In tribute to his career, the Marrakech Film Festival screened four of Sean Penn’s films, drawing the attention of the Moroccan media to the audience’s reaction to the screening of “Milk,” where spectators left the theater during a scene showing two men in bed. This reaction highlights the persistent taboos surrounding homosexuality in some regions.
On a different note, Sean Penn reaffirmed his support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and described himself as a “patriot in crisis” when asked about the American political landscape. His frank and direct approach demonstrates a deep commitment to humanist values and his involvement in sensitive and current issues.
Ultimately, Sean Penn’s remarks highlight the critical issues related to representation and diversity in the film industry, while recalling the importance of supporting bold and committed works. His voice resonates as a call to reflection and action, inviting audiences and film professionals to push the boundaries of thought and creativity for a more inclusive and innovative industry.