The 2024 Oscars were not just another star-studded night of enjoyment, rather it was used as a platform to bring the world’s current atrocities to the viewers’ attention. Whether it was the topic of the Russia-Ukraine war or the ongoing events between Israel and Gaza, celebrities, including Jonathan Glazer, appeared to be steadfast in their support.
From Mark Ruffalo to Billie Eilish, many celebrities donned red pins on their clothes to subtly call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. However, the boldest statement came from director Jonathan Glazer who stepped onto the stage to accept his award for the night and in his speech, addressed the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, his speech was not well-received by everyone as over 450 Jewish creatives denounced him.
Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar Acceptance Speech
On March 10, Jonathan Glazer was awarded with an Oscar for Best International Film (The Zone of Interest). After accepting the award, Glazer, who is Jewish, grabbed the opportunity to talk about the heartbreaking conflict currently going on in Gaza, Palestine. He stated,
“All our choices are made to reflect and confront us in the present. Not to say, ‘Look what they did then,’ rather ‘Look what we do now.’ Our film shows where dehumanisation 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 7 in Israel or the ongoing attack in Gaza.”
Continuing his speech, Glazer paid tribute to Alexandria Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk, a Polish woman who had worked for the Polish resistance. Her character also made an appearance in The Zone of Interest.
“Aleksandra Bystroń-Kołodziejczyk, the girl who glows in the film, as she did in life, chose to. I dedicate this to her memory and her resistance. Thank you.”
Glazer’s heart-touching speech was met with a roar of applause from the audience. However, not everyone was on board with what the filmmaker had to say.
Jonathan Glazer’s Speech Gets Denounced by Jewish Professionals
Variety has recently reported that over 450 Jewish creatives and professionals came together to condemn Glazer’s Oscar speech in an open letter. The statement given by the group reads,
“We refute our Jewishness being hijacked for the purpose of drawing a moral equivalence between a Nazi regime that sought to exterminate a race of people, and an Israeli nation that seeks to avert its own extermination.”
The letter includes some well-known names including, Amy Pascal, Mark Pellegrino, Eli Roth, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and more. Jewish filmmaker Steven Spielberg was nowhere to be seen on the list. On the other hand, his sister, Nancy Spielberg’s name was mentioned.
After the open letter came to the public’s attention, support for Glaze almost doubled. Fans took to X to applaud Glazer and lift his spirits while simultaneously criticizing the people who signed the letter.
Jonathan Glazer is jewish so you can’t go with the ‘antisemitic’ claim for a man who just won an oscar telling the story of how the world normalized a holocaust against his ancestors…
he beautifully advocated for humanity in the jewish name with his film and acceptance speech
— luca (@LucaGuadagnegro) March 18, 2024
I hope Jonathan continues speaking his truth…
— BEYTHOVEN | non-affiliated fan account (@beyonceparkwood) March 18, 2024
So he lost 450 fake souls, and gained the love and respect of millions upon millions around the world. Who is the loser now.!
— Dangdangraul111 (Human Animal) 🇵🇸 (@dangdangraul111) March 19, 2024
Sounded like over a thousand Hollywood creatives and celebrities gave a roaring applause for his honest speech at the Oscars.
— Dr Who ✌️Loves 笑❤️Love (@TheTardisDoc) March 18, 2024
Oh thank god not a single relevant person
— lara 🇵🇸 (@laralevana) March 18, 2024
He literally mentioned October 7 to appease everybody. This is the most both sides/all lives matter type of statement imaginable. And people still get angry. It’s like satire at this point
— Evan DelGesso (@mofiaman) March 18, 2024
This is just the tip of the iceberg as the filmmaker received truckloads of support for his stance. It looks like Glazer does not have to worry about getting canceled in Hollywood as his supporters are far greater in number than his haters.
You can rent/buy The Zone of Interest on Prime Video.
