Executive producer and co-financier of 'The Zone of Interest,' Danny Cohen, has expressed his disapproval of director Jonathan Glazer's 2024 Oscars acceptance speech. Cohen, who is the president of Access Entertainment, stated that the speech has caused upset and anger among many individuals.
In his acceptance speech for the best international film award, Glazer thanked his collaborators on the film and then made a statement regarding his work and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Cohen acknowledged that while the film itself is considered a significant piece of art, some members of the Jewish community felt that the Holocaust narrative portrayed in the movie was being intertwined with current events in Gaza.
Cohen revealed that Glazer did not consult him or seek approval for the content of his speech before delivering it at the Oscars ceremony. He emphasized that directors have the autonomy to make their own decisions, and it appears that Glazer collaborated with one of the film's producers, Jim Wilson, on the speech.
Glazer's controversial remarks during the speech included a rejection of his Jewish identity and the Holocaust being associated with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Another producer of the film, Len Blavatnik, also distanced himself from the speech, stating that he did not endorse its content.
Amid the escalating tensions in Gaza, Cohen reiterated his unwavering support for Israel and placed the blame for the conflict squarely on Hamas, labeling them as a genocidal terrorist organization. He criticized Glazer for choosing the Oscars stage as a platform to voice opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that it lacked proper context and detracted from the film's artistic merit.
Cohen emphasized that he believes Glazer should let his work speak for itself and expressed a preference for the film to convey its message rather than relying on verbal statements in a heated environment. Despite their differences in opinion, Cohen acknowledged Glazer's right to express his views but maintained that the timing and manner of his speech were not appropriate.
