Sean Penn, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like Mystic River and Milk, recently voiced strong criticisms of the Academy Awards during his appearance at the Marrakech Film Festival. He argued passionately against what he perceives as the Oscars' "extraordinary cowardice" and urged for more diverse cultural expressions within the film industry.
Penn's remarks came as he received an honorary career achievement award at the festival, where he took the opportunity to address the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' perceived shortcomings. "The Academy has exercised really extraordinary cowardice when it’s come to being part of the bigger world of expression," Penn remarked, going on to state, "They have largely limited the imagination and very limiting of different cultural expressions." His comments directly reflected the longstanding criticisms directed at the Oscars for its lack of diversity among both its members and the films honored.
While Penn acknowledged moments when the Academy Awards prompted his interest, he noted these occasions were rare. He cited independent films like The Florida Project and I’m Still Here as examples of movies deserving acknowledgment, contrasting them with the larger framework of the Academy’s choices. "I don’t get very excited about what we’ll call the Academy Awards, except for when certain films grace the ceremony," he said.
Central to Penn's critique was the film The Apprentice, directed by Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi, which explores Donald Trump's earlier years alongside Roy Cohn, his controversial attorney. Despite its compelling narrative and strong performances, The Apprentice struggled to find distribution within the U.S., leading Penn to express disbelief at Hollywood’s apprehension to embrace such projects. He remarked, "It’s jaw-dropping how afraid this so-called business of mavericks is of a great film like this, one with great acting. They too can be as afraid as a piddly little Republican congressman."
The film’s controversial subject matter has proven to be polarizing, particularly after Trump's tumultuous presidency and the fallout from the 2020 election. Abbasi's film has been well-received critically, boasting favorable reviews. Yet, the climate around the subject has prompted many actors and industry figures to distance themselves from it. Sebastian Stan, who plays Trump, noted the challenges he faced trying to discuss the film with peers due to their fears of backlash for being associated with the project. This scenario paints a troubling picture of how political affiliations can stifle conversations in Hollywood.
Penn's criticism was part of broader sentiments echoed by other figures within the industry about the Oscars’ limitations. He urged filmmakers to resist the pressures of conformity and instead pursue projects driven by their convictions. According to him, the call for diversity within the arts should extend beyond mere representation to include varied narratives and viewpoints. "Around the world, there is this demand for diversity — but not diversity of behavior and not diversity of opinion or language," he stated, encouraging creatives to be bold and appreciative of the stories they want to tell.
An array of films expected to compete at the Oscars highlights the tension between independent cinema and mainstream acceptance, including Anora, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist. These titles reflect the innovative spirit Penn champions, contrasting sharply with what he labels as the restrictive policies of award institutions.
Penn's criticisms toward the Academy resonate with those who have followed the organization's struggles to reform its practices. The Oscars made headlines following the #OscarsSoWhite movement, prompting changes aimed at increasing diversity among nominees and voting members. Yet, many feel these reforms have fallen short, and critics argue the steps taken aren't enough to address systemic issues within the industry.
Standing firm on his beliefs, Penn also took the opportunity at the Marrakech Film Festival to elaborate on his documentary work, including Superpower, which documents his experiences during and after Ukraine's tumultuous political climate sparked by Russia's invasion. He expressed his connection to political turmoil, labeling himself as "a patriot in crisis," reflecting the merging of his roles as both artist and activist.
Sean Penn's confrontation with the Oscars highlights the broader conversation about courage and creativity within the film industry. His astute observations serve not only as commentary on the current state of filmmaking but also as encouragement for filmmakers to push beyond boundaries, resist distractions from powerful entities, and continue to tell diverse, authentic stories.