MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — During the Marrakech Film Festival, actor Sean Penn criticized the Oscars’ organizers for what he perceives as their cowardice in supporting a narrow spectrum of films. He expressed that this limits the variety of films that can receive funding and be produced.
Penn, who received a career achievement award at the festival, shared that his excitement for the Academy Awards often dwindles, only reigniting when films he appreciates, like Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project” and Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez,” receive nominations.
“The academy’s producers have shown remarkable cowardice when it comes to engaging with diverse forms of expression,” Penn stated. He believes their actions have largely curtailed imaginative storytelling and cultural expressions in film.
His comments reflect broader criticisms against The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has been accused for years of lacking diversity among its members and the films it chooses to honor. Despite recent attempts to overhaul its structure and image, critics argue that these reforms have not gone far enough.
Penn also praised Iranian-Danish director Ali Abassi and his film “The Apprentice,” which centers on President Donald Trump and faced challenges in securing an American distributor ahead of the upcoming U.S. election in November. “It’s astonishing how timid this so-called ‘business of mavericks’ can be when they come across a remarkable film featuring outstanding performances,” he remarked, likening their fear to that of a “piddly little Republican congressman.”
As part of a tribute to his career at the festival, four of Penn’s films are being shown in Morocco, where he has received a warm reception. However, some local audiences reportedly left during a scene from “Milk,” which portrays a same-sex relationship—a sensitive subject in a country where homosexuality is illegal, though rarely prosecuted.
Furthermore, Penn discussed his 2023 film “Superpower,” which examines the conflict in Ukraine. In response to inquiries about the political climate in the U.S., he declared himself a “patriot in crisis” and expressed his support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Academy did not respond immediately to requests for comment regarding Penn’s remarks on Tuesday.
