US actor Richard Dreyfuss (“Jaws”, “American Graffiti”) has harshly criticized the new inclusion requirements at the Oscars. “They make me puke,” the 75-year-old said on the show “Firing Line With Margaret Hoover” over the weekend.
As an artist, no one should dictate that he has to conform to the newest and most up-to-date concept of morality, Dreyfuss said. “You have to let life be life.”
Dreyfuss also spoke about casting non-white characters with white actors. The Brit Laurence Olivier was the last white actor to play the general Othello in 1965, with his face made up black. “Am I being told I’ll never get a chance to play a black guy?” Dreyfuss asked. “Don’t we know that art is art? It’s so condescending,” the actor continued.
When white people wear makeup to stereotype black people, it’s called “blackfacing.” The practice is controversial and has been criticized as racist.
In 2020, the Academy announced new measures to promote diversity and equality within its own ranks and at Oscars.
Starting next year, films must meet two out of four diversity standards to be nominated in the Best Film category. The requirements include, among other things, filling the roles and the production team with members of underrepresented groups. The 96th Oscar Gala is scheduled to take place on March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles. (dpa)
