(CNN) Actor Richard Dreyfuss isn’t a fan of the Oscars’ new diversity guidelines.
Administrators Announced in 2020 that starting in 2024, films must meet certain standards of representation in order to be eligible for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Films must meet at least two of four criteria, which cover—among other things—whether the lead cast is from underrepresented groups or if at least 30% of the cast and crew belong to such groups.
Dreyfuss told Margaret Hoover in the process Interview this Friday on PBS “Firing Line”. That such rules “make me puke”.
When Hoover asked him why, the actor said, “Because that’s an art form.”
It is also a form of commerce and making money,” said the actor. “But it is art. And no one should tell me as an artist that I should give to the latest an idea of what morality is.”
Inclusion standards were enacted in an effort to address inequality in the industry, which has led to the emergence of #Oscar So White movement in 2015.
Dreyfuss said during the interview: “I do not think that there is a minority or majority in this country must meet their needs in this way.”
He then quotes a bit of history regarding Laurence Olivier being “the last white actor to play Othello,” a reference to the 1965 film, in which the British actor played him in blackface.
Dreyfuss praised the performance, saying that Oliver played the part “brilliantly”.
“Was I told I wouldn’t get the chance to play a black man?” Dreyfuss said. “Is someone else being told that if he’s not Jewish, he shouldn’t play The Merchant of Venice? Are we crazy? Don’t we know that art is art?”
Hoover responded, asking if there was “a difference between the issue of representation and who is allowed to represent other groups…and the case of blackface, given the history of slavery and sensitivities about black racism?”
“It shouldn’t be there,” said Dreyfuss.
He said “because she is caring”. “Because it suggests that we are too vulnerable to hurt our feelings.”
CNN has contacted representatives for Dreyfuss for further comment but has not yet received a response.
“Internet geek. Friendly coffee trailblazer. Infuriatingly humble musicaholic. Twitter fan. Devoted alcohol aficionado. Avid thinker.”