Sean Penn, known for his outspoken opinions, has once again turned his gaze toward Hollywood, particularly the Academy Awards. During a press conference at the Marrakech Film Festival, Penn made headlines for his scathing critique of the Oscars, accusing the Academy of stifling cultural diversity and failing to recognize boundary-pushing cinema. His remarks also highlighted his support for The Apprentice, a film he believes deserves a spot in this year's awards race.
Penn expressed frustration at what he perceives as the Academy's lack of courage in embracing global storytelling. He commented, “The Academy have exercised extraordinary cowardice… limiting the imagination and very limiting of different cultural expressions.” These statements align with his ongoing criticism of Hollywood's preference for safe choices over bold, innovative filmmaking.
Specifically, Penn singled out Ali Abbasi's The Apprentice, a politically charged drama starring Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. The film explores Donald Trump's early career and his tumultuous relationship with mentor Roy Cohn. Despite its critical acclaim, The Apprentice grossed only $4 million domestically, struggling to find a wide audience despite a substantial release.
Penn noted the industry's hesitance to embrace such projects:
“It's jaw-dropping how afraid this business of mavericks is of a great film like that.”
Released earlier this year, The Apprentice avoided satire and instead offered a restrained yet compelling narrative, earning praise for its nuanced performances and 1970s filmmaking-inspired aesthetic. Abbasi's directorial approach eschewed caricature in favor of an exploration of power dynamics, a choice that resonated with critics but may have limited its mainstream appeal.
While discussing Oscar contenders, Penn humorously referred to Sean Baker's The Florida Project (2017) as if it were eligible this year, likely intending to mention Baker's recent release Anora. This slip underscored his admiration for films that challenge the norm and evoke raw emotion.
Penn's criticism of the Oscars and his championing of The Apprentice highlight the ongoing debate about Hollywood's recognition of diverse voices. As the awards season approaches, his comments could reignite conversations about what films truly deserve a place at the table. Whether The Apprentice will gain traction remains to be seen, but Penn's vocal support has undoubtedly shone a spotlight on it.
My Impressions: Sean Penn's passion for challenging the status quo in Hollywood is commendable. His endorsement of The Apprentice sheds light on a film that delves into complex political and social themes with intelligence and restraint. While its subdued approach may not cater to all tastes, it is refreshing to see a biographical drama that avoids clichés. However, Penn's critique of the Oscars, while valid, could benefit from constructive suggestions for change rather than blanket condemnation.
Do you think The Apprentice deserves a spot in this year's Oscar race? What other films do you believe are being unfairly overlooked?
