Richard Dreyfuss criticizes the new diversity standards for Oscar nominations, saying they make him “vomit”
Richard Dreyfuss talked about the Academy’s diverse inclusiveness drive, partisan speech, and civics education in the US. Continue reading!
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ revamped diversity and inclusion guidelines have drawn criticism from Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, who said that they “make me vomit.”
According to “Variety,” Dreyfuss made his remarks during a lengthy interview on PBS’ “Firing Line With Margaret Hoover,” in which the actor also spoke about partisan speech, civics education in the US, and the Academy’s diversity inclusiveness drive.
It takes art. Nobody has the right to tell me that, as a creator, I must submit to the newest, most up-to-date definition of morality. How much do we risk? Do we truly want to endanger people’s feelings? That is something you can’t legislate, remarked Richard Dreyfuss.
“You must let life unfold naturally. Sorry, but I don’t believe either the majority or the minority in this country require that kind of special treatment.
The four new diversity and inclusion requirements—two of which must be met for a film to be considered for best picture—were originally introduced in 2020 and will be implemented for the forthcoming Academy Awards.
The four standards are stated as increasing underrepresented groups’ access to the industry and possibilities, increasing representation in audience development, and increasing representation among creative leadership and department heads.
In his subsequent remarks, Richard Dreyfuss defended Laurence Olivier’s portrayal of Shakespeare’s Othello in the 1965 film “Othello,” in which the English actor donned blackface.
He performed excellently as a Black man. Am I to understand that there is no chance for me to play a Black man? Is anyone else hearing that they shouldn’t act in “The Merchant of Venice” if they aren’t Jewish? Are we insane? As Dreyfuss said.
“This is very condescending. People are being treated so carelessly and like children.
The films “Jaws,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “American Graffiti,” “W,” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus” are among Dreyfuss’ most notable works.
He received the best actor Academy Award for “The Goodbye Girl.” The discussion with Richard Dreyfuss included new initiatives to regulate curricula and outlaw specific books in public schools.
I believe we are cowards. Republicans send their kids to school with the hopes and prayers that they’ll return. Republicans and Democrats alike send their kids to school in the hopes that they will return as Democrats, according to Dreyfuss.
“The notion of a parent entering a public school and declaring, ‘I don’t want my children exposed to competing viewpoints.’ That’s incorrect.