Tony Kushner Defends Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar Speech as a Definitive Statement of Integrity
In a notable discussion on the Haaretz Podcast, Tony Kushner, the esteemed playwright and frequent Steven Spielberg collaborator, openly supported Jonathan Glazer’s compelling Oscar acceptance speech. Glazer’s film, “Zone of Interest,” garnered the Best International Feature Film award, sparking widespread debate due to his profound speech.
Tony Kushner, a luminary with Tony, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prizes to his name, expressed his bewilderment at the negative reception to what he perceives as Glazer’s “really sort of unimpeachable, irrefutable statement at the Oscars.”
Here is the complete speech by Jonathan Glazer:
“Thank you so much. I’m going to read, I’m afraid.
Thank you to the Academy for this honor and to our partners A24 Films for access and Polish Film Institute, to the Stead Museum for their trust and guidance, to my producers, actors, collaborators.
All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present, not to say look what they did then, but rather look what we do now.
Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. It’s shaped all of our past and present. Right now, we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people.
Whether the victims of October — whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanization, how do we resist? Alexandria, the girl who glows in the film as she did in life, chose to. I dedicate this to her memory and her resistance. Thank you.”
Kushner, reflecting on the speech, stressed its clarity and importance, particularly highlighting Glazer’s message against the misuse of Jewish history and the Holocaust for justifying the dehumanization and oppression of others. He criticized those who find the current situation in Gaza acceptable, challenging their stance and calling for introspection and change.
Further delving into the Middle East’s complex situation, Kushner shared his evolving views, including contemplating a boycott, though he admitted his inability to detach completely from Israel. He underscored his desire for peace for all, including Israelis, arguing that the ongoing occupation and conflict do not ensure Israel’s safety.
By maintaining the integrity of Glazer’s and Kushner’s quotes, this revision aims to provide an accurate portrayal of their perspectives while enhancing the article’s visibility and engagement.
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