The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has reportedly denied President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to appear during ABC’s broadcast of the 95th Academy Awards. WME agent Mike Simpson reportedly advocated for the actor-turned-politician to appear virtually at the ceremony, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences turned away from the request. According to multiple reports, Zelensky attempted to appear during the 94th Academy Awards, but was denied.
President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. Speaking from a remote location, he passionately asked for entertainers to speak out regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Culture and cinema can be outside politics. But not when it is a policy of aggression. Not when it is a policy of mass crimes, murders, terror, the desire to destroy other countries and other peoples. When it is a policy of total war. That is, the politics of today’s Russia,” Zelensky said.
“Culture makes choices in times like these. Culture chooses the side. Or speaks out in different ways fighting and standing against evil. Or – ovelooks and remains silent – and, in fact, helping the evil.”
The Berlin Film Festival then proceeded to debut a documentary by Sean Penn that chronicles Ukraine’s war efforts.
“It’s very important now, all the support. I think you’re a voice Americans has to hear,” Zelensky told Penn while he was working on the documentary.
