Sean Penn Criticizes Oscars for Stifling Creativity and Diversity

The actor condemned the Academy at the Marrakech Film Festival, calling its practices an 'extraordinary cowardice' that limits artistic expression.

Sean Penn, speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival, accused the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of exhibiting 'extraordinary cowardice' in its film selections and broader industry influence.
Penn argued that the Oscars prioritize limiting imagination and cultural diversity over celebrating bold, boundary-pushing films.
He praised films like 'The Florida Project,' 'I’m Still Here,' and 'Emilia Perez' as rare exceptions that embody the creativity he values.
The actor also highlighted the challenges faced by Ali Abbasi’s Donald Trump biopic 'The Apprentice,' which struggled to find U.S. distribution due to its controversial subject matter.
Penn, a two-time Oscar winner, received a lifetime achievement award at the festival and urged filmmakers to embrace politically incorrect storytelling and diverse perspectives.