Richard Dreyfuss Slams Movie Academy’s Diversity Efforts

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is ready to change its approach to representation and inclusion among Oscar nominees, but Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss is clearly not a fan.

Dreyfuss, who won his first leading-man Oscar in 1978 for “The Goodbye Girl,” slammed the academy for its diversity measures in an interview for PBS’ “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover,” shared Friday.

“They make me vomit,” Dreyfuss told Hoover.

{snip} Starting with the 2024 Oscars, eligible films will need to meet several criteria — outlined by the academy — concerning diversity on screen and behind the camera.

To be eligible for best picture, a film must meet at least two standards across four categories: “Onscreen Representation, Themes and Narratives,” “Creative Leadership and Project Team,” “Industry Access and Opportunities” and “Audience Development.” Within each category are various criteria involving the inclusion of people in underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Other Oscar categories will not be held to these same standards.

{snip}

Dreyfuss said Friday, “No one should be telling me as an artist that I have to give into the latest, most current idea of what morality is.”

He continued: “And what are we risking? Are we really risking hurting people’s feelings? You can’t legislate that. And you have to let life be life. I’m sorry, I don’t think there’s a minority or a majority in the country that has to be catered to like that.”

{snip}