Oscars refuse to let Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak during 2023 ceremony
nme.comOscars have reportedly blocked a request from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak during the ceremony.The 95th Academy Awards takes place in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 12).
According to Variety, Zelenskyy was hoping to follow up a recent remote appearance at the Berlin Film Festival with a virtual spot at the Oscars.According to sources, his new agent Mike Simpson (who also represents Quentin Tarantino and Bong Joon Ho) asked the academy to feature the comedic actor-turned-politician but was shut down.
The Academy declined comment.It’s the second year in a row an appearance from Zelenskyy has been rejected by the Oscars.According to sources, Producer Will Packer turned Zelenskyy down in 2022 over concerns that Hollywood was only giving Ukraine such a platform because the people affected by the invasion of Russia were mostly white.
Packer reportedly argued that the Academy has largely ignored wars around the globe that impact people of colour, however he did not respond to Variety’s request for comment.Back in September, the Toronto Film Festival also denied Zelenskyy’s team.
Read more on nme.com
