Zone of Interest Director Jonathan
Director Jonathan Glazer delivered a poignant acceptance speech at the Oscars, steering attention towards the Gaza conflict and rejecting the appropriation of his “Jewishness and the Holocaust” by the ongoing occupation. His film, “The Zone of Interest,” a powerful exploration of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, clinched the Best International Film award, making history as the UK’s first win in this category.
The awards ceremony faced a delayed start as protesters, calling for a Gaza ceasefire, gathered outside the venue. Celebrities, including Billie Eilish, adorned pins advocating for peace in solidarity with the cause. Glazer, expressing gratitude for the honour, emphasized the film’s intent to reflect on present-day issues rather than solely historical events.
“All our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the present, not to say look what they did then, rather what we do now,” remarked Glazer. The film, focusing on Auschwitz’s longest-serving commandant, Rudolf Höss, delves into the consequences of dehumanization, shaping our past and present.
Glazer, who identifies as Jewish, passionately addressed the impact of the conflict on innocent lives, stating, “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.”
Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, and Ramy Youssef wore pins on the red carpet, echoing the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The symbolic gesture followed an open letter signed by nearly 400 artists, urging action and drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, resulted in over 1,200 casualties. Israel’s response with a massive bombardment and invasion of Gaza has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation, with the UN warning of an imminent famine and child starvation. Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar win not only marked a cinematic milestone but also provided a platform to advocate for peace and resist the dehumanization perpetuated by the conflict.
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