Key Takeaways:
- Jacques Audiard compares his Oscar experience to an “open war.”
- His film Emilia Pérez faced controversy over representation and backlash.
- Audiard says the Oscars campaign has become overly competitive and dirty.
- He regrets the focus on drama rather than the art of filmmaking.
Jacques Audiard’s Brutal Oscar Experience
Jacques Audiard, a well-known French filmmaker, recently spoke about his difficult experience with the Oscars. Emilia Pérez, his latest film, was expected to win Best International Film. But after months of drama, it didn’t.
A Storm of Controversies
Emilia Pérez faced a lot of backlash. People criticized its portrayal of Mexican culture and its handling of transgender characters. To make things worse, old tweets from the film’s star surfaced, causing even more trouble.
The film’s problems started early. Some said the cast didn’t include enough Mexican actors. Others felt the story didn’t accurately represent Mexican culture. Audiard was accused of telling a story that wasn’t his to tell.
The backlash grew louder when people found old tweets from the film’s star. Many called the tweets offensive, which hurt the film’s reputation even more.
The Oscars Campaign: An Open War
Audiard recently talked on a French radio show about how hard the Oscars campaign was. He called it an “open war” between producers, distributors, and studios.
Audiard had been nominated before, for his 2009 film A Prophet. Back then, he said the process was tough but manageable. But this time, he felt like he was in a battlefield.
He also expressed how the campaign focuses too much on tearing others down. He said, “You have to be ready to unleash the biggest filth against the other. It’s not fair, but that’s how it is.”
Audiard believes the worst part is that all the drama distracts from what really matters – the movies. He said, “We don’t talk about cinema anymore during the campaign. The controversies make us lose sight of the art.”
From Cannes Buzz to Oscar Loss
Emilia Pérez started strong. At the Cannes Film Festival in May, it won two awards and gained early Oscar buzz. Many thought it would win Best International Film.
But by the fall, the buzz faded. The controversies took a toll, and the film lost the Oscar. Audiard admitted the negative attention hurt its chances.
What’s Next for Jacques Audiard?
Despite the tough experience, Audiard remains a respected filmmaker. He’s known for making bold, unique movies, and he’ll likely keep doing what he does best.
But don’t expect a sequel or prequel to Emilia Pérez. Audiard seems done with that chapter of his career. Who can blame him? The drama and stress were overwhelming.
Audiard’s story shows how cutthroat the Oscars can be. It’s not just about making great movies – it’s about surviving the chaos.
Jacques Audiard may not have won the Oscar, but he’s still a world-class filmmaker. He’ll bounce back, even stronger. After all, he’s been through worse – like this year’s Oscars.
