Sean Penn expressed his disapproval of the Academy Awards at the Marrakech Film Festival on Tuesday.
While on stage, Penn, 64, chain-smoked and criticized the Oscars for “limiting different cultural expressions,” voicing support for the President-elect Donald Trump biopic, “The Apprentice,” during a press conference.
The two-time Academy Award winner received a career tribute and emphasized that awards ceremonies like the Oscars should be viewed primarily as “television shows,” rather than as indicators of artistic merit.
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Sean Penn criticized the Oscars for not appreciating artistic expression as seen in the President-elect Donald Trump biopic “The Apprentice.” (Marc Piasecki)
“The Academy has shown extraordinary cowardice in terms of being a part of the broader world of expression and has significantly inhibited different cultural expressions,” Penn remarked, as reported by Variety.
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“So I don’t get very excited about what we will call the Academy Awards other than when a film like ‘The Florida Project,’ or ‘I’m Still Here,’ or ‘Emilia Perez,’ or anything likely to happen this year,” he added.
“The Academy has shown extraordinary cowardice in terms of being a part of the broader world of expression and has significantly limited imagination and different cultural expressions.”
He also discussed Ali Abbasi’s controversial film “The Apprentice,” stating that “when something sneaks through, it should be celebrated.”
Sean Penn, a two-time Oscar winner, lit up cigarettes and smoked on stage. (Marc Piasecki)
“It’s jaw-dropping how afraid this industry is of a great film like that, one with exceptional acting. It’s astonishing that they can be as fearful as a small Republican congressman,” he added.
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“The Apprentice” traces Trump’s ascent during the 1970s, showcasing his relationships with first wife Ivana Trump, portrayed by Maria Bakalova, and attorney Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Sebastian Stan takes on the role of President-elect Trump.
Sean Penn admitted he does not get as excited about the Oscars anymore. (Antoine Flament)
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During the gala, Penn received a lifetime achievement award and advocated for freedom of expression.
“There is a demand for diversity around the world, but not diversity of behavior, opinion, or language,” Penn remarked. “I would encourage everyone to be as politically incorrect as they want and to embrace diversity and continue telling those stories. I am proud and happy to be here. Thank you.”
