Jewish Creatives Show Support for Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars Speech on Gaza
Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, and Chloe Fineman Among 150+ Signatories
Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, and Chloe Fineman are among more than 150 Jewish creatives who have signed an open letter supporting Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech on Gaza.
The director of Holocaust film The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer, condemned military action against Palestinians in the strip as he accepted the Academy Award for Best International Film, with his speech being both celebrated and criticized.
Now, Joker star Joaquin Phoenix, Ocean’s Eleven actor Elliott Gould, and Saturday Night Live‘s Chloe Fineman have joined a call to defend Glazer.
Main Points
- Over 150 Jewish creatives support Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech on Gaza
- Glazer’s speech condemned military action, defended Palestinian civilians
- Big names like Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, and Chloe Fineman sign open letter
- Glazer’s speech received both support and criticism within the industry
The Signatories
- Phoenix’s sister Rain
- Three-time Oscar nominee Debra Winger
- Sorry to Bother You director Boots Riley
- Fargo filmmaker Joel Coen
- Gossip Girl actor Tavi Gevinson
- Room director Lenny Abrahamson
- Former CEO of Focus pictures James Schamus
- The Princess Bride actor Wallace Shawn
- Bottoms director Emma Seligman
- Broad City stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson
Glazer’s Plea for Humanity
Glazer’s statement at the event said, “Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation, which has led to conflict for so many innocent people – whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza – all the victims of this dehumanization… how do we resist?”
In-Depth Analysis
The signatories of the open letter argue that the attacks on Glazer distract from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives. They proclaim that the attacks further suppress free speech and dissent, highlighting the need for the industry to cherish these qualities. The letter emphasizes that speaking out against the killing of innocent Palestinians does not fuel antisemitism but seeks to promote humanity.
Industry Divided
While the speech garnered support from prominent figures like Kirsten Dunst, Zoe Kazan, Massive Attack, Ken Loach, and Boots Riley, some Jewish creatives, including Debra Messing and Eli Roth, denounced Glazer’s remarks. The division within the industry reflects the complex nature of the Gaza conflict and the differing opinions on how to address it.
Show of Solidarity
Jonathan Glazer’s movie The Zone of Interest delves into the life of an Auschwitz officer who lives near the concentration camp. His dedication to highlighting humanitarian causes has attracted support from industry professionals like Tilda Swinton, Louis Theroux, and Peter Capaldi. Many of them have joined the cause and donated items to Cinema for Gaza—an initiative aimed at raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy surrounding Glazer’s speech, over 150 Jewish creatives have expressed their support for his message. This showcases the diverse perspectives within the industry, underscoring the need for open dialogue and understanding. By signing the open letter, these creatives strive to counter the ethos of silence and promote empathy for the Palestinians affected by the conflict.
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