Mads Mikkelsen In recent days he was present at the 80th International Film Art Exhibition in Venice to give a preview Bastardsa Danish production in which he plays the lead role, directed by Nikolaj Arcel.
After the film’s screening, the Danish star and filmmaker attended a sideline press event where they were involved in one rather piquant comparison with a reporter. The latter would have asked that Lack of diversity of Bastards and how this factor could greatly influence the chances of competing for the Oscars for Best Picture.
During the question and answer session, the journalist in question reminded Mikkelsen and Arcel that from the next edition of the Oscars, the nominated films must meet certain requirements Inclusivity criteria to be considered for the event’s most prestigious category. The journalist made the following observation to Mikkelsen:
“This is a Danish cast and production that is entirely Nordic and therefore one would say it lacks diversity. There are also new implicit rules in Hollywood…”
Mads Mikkelsen answered immediately pretty annoyed: “So what do you mean? Will you know right away?” The reporter then continued argue his observation:
“Immediately. The competition in the Best Film category, the equivalent of this competition, has some diversity rules on the other side of the Atlantic. As I see it, With this line-up you will not be able to meet these requirements. I’m just curious: not for purely artistic reasons, but because of the lack of diversity, this film cannot take part in this competition. Are you worried about that?
Mikkelsen, visibly annoyed, replied: “And you are?” I mean it seriously and honestly, why are you embarrassing us? answer the question».
Then the director Nikolaj Arcel spoke up and observed what it was like objectively difficult maintaining certain standards of inclusivity for a drama set in 1750 Denmark, even if the film still features a character of African descent:
“Well, first of all, the film takes place in Denmark in 1750. We have a great story about a black girl who faces racism, which was very rare, every black person in Denmark… almost none.” At that time she was probably the only black person in all of Denmark. I think that would be a bit strange. It’s all about a historical approachas it was in 1750”.
The new inclusion standards will come into force from the next Academy Awards, which will already be the 96th edition of the Academy Awards in 2024. The initiative focuses on big screen representation and creative leadership. In order for a film to be considered for the Oscar for Best Picture, it must meet two of the four required standards.
What do you think of this exchange of views? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: Mads Mikkelsen agrees with Favino and blames dubbing: “We have to stop it in Italy too.”
Photo: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis /Getty Images
Source: Deadline
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