Harvey Weinstein, former Hollywood film producer, and convicted sex offender has always been in and out of the news. Indeed, the producer once lived his days of glory as a star maker producing several remarkable and acclaimed titles.
But Weinstein was never easy to work with, if there is a dispute with an actor over some financial argument, there would possibly be another argument over creative freedom with the directors. Many actors and directors labeled Weinstein as a hard man to work with. But that is not all, the producer attempted to steal the fame of Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winner Moonlight.
Harvey Weinstein Attempted to Steal Moonlight Credit
The critics and fans well received Barry Jenkins’ 2016 movie Moonlight. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also recognized Jenkins’ masterpiece. The movie won three Oscars including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali’s splendid performances. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter Harvey Weinstein claimed that movies like Moonlight were the result of his hard work.
“The Academy’s done a good job of reining it in. The only reason we did it was because the studios dominated the industry, so we said, ‘OK, how do you be a maverick?’ I’m sure I’m not loved by the Academy establishment, but so be it. Those movies that win, like Moonlight, are a result of some of the work that we did. I’m thrilled that it won, and I want to see movies like that. I just want to see more people watch the Oscars,” Weinstein told the outlet.
Of course, Weinstein’s production company Miramax has produced remarkable films, a series of Oscar-winners, and most of Quentin Tarantino’s movies. But it’s bizarre to claim Moonlight’s credit as the movie is original and fresh. Produced by A24, Plan B Entertainment, Upload Films, and Pastel, Moonlight was made with a production budget of $4 million and collected $65.3 million worldwide.
Harvey Weinstein Wanted to Produce Academy Awards
Weinstein was quite unsatisfied with the Academy Awards Ceremony Show, at least his desire to change the structure of it revealed his discontentment. The producer even thought of a partner and it was none other than the legendary director Steven Spielberg and Weinstein was very enthusiastic about it. “Steven Spielberg and I once talked about producing it together,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “If we could survive each other, we’d do a great job,” he added.
“They’re not using technology properly. It still feels like a variety show. Jimmy Kimmel was brilliant, but give him a couple of things to do that are so mind-blowingly cool so people will go, “Oh my God.” [Virtual reality] is just the start. Mike [De Luca] and Jen [Todd] did the most beautiful-looking Oscars I’ve ever seen. I would just take it way further, which is why I’ll never get the job. I’d probably bring Billy Crystal back to host, too.”
In his Oscar show, Reds actor Warren Beatty “would have to announce best picture. The suspense would be incredible.” But it remained a dream for the 71-year-old. The former producer was sentenced for sexual assault charges and is currently serving his sentence.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
