Jane Campion, director of The Power of the Dog, has been criticised for her 'unnecessary comment' to Venus and Serena Williams.
Campion's revisionist Netflix western has been smattered across headlines recently, whether it's for its continual acclaim and awards in the lead-up to the Oscars, or Sam Elliott describing the film as a 'piece of sh*t'.
The filmmaker won Best Director at last night's Critics Choice Awards, beating the likes of Steven Spielberg, Kenneth Branagh, Paul Thomas Anderson, Denis Villeneuve and Guillermo del Toro.
During her speech, she referenced the Williams sisters, who were attending to support Will Smith's King Richard, a biopic based on their upbringing into the tennis world.
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'Venus and Serena, you’re such marvels. However, you don’t play against the guys, like I have to,' she said.
'I’ve still got some PTSD from critics earlier in my career… some deep wounds, but I’ve also been championed by them... I’m like the grandmother of the women’s movement in film now, but I’m still here!' she concluded.
The comment was applauded in the moment, but some viewers took issue with Campion's sentiment, criticising her for seemingly lessening the accomplishments of the tennis legends.
'Why did you feel compelled to put down the achievements of Serena and Venus Williams to make yourself feel better? And shame on those in the audience that clapped and cheered at her comment,' one user wrote.
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'Jane Campion needs to watch the ESPN film Venus Vs. In 2007, Venus Williams fought to make sure female tennis players got paid the same amount as male tennis players in Wimbledon and the French Open,' another tweeted.
'That Jane Campion clip at Critics Choice Award re: Venus & Serena Williams has got me so confused this morning. Venus deserves an award for her restraint in that moment. Cos, WOW,' a third wrote.
'Jane Campion messed up big there. She could have thanked the people and gone after misogyny and sexism without involving the Williams sisters. Does she think they haven’t had to deal with sexism, misogyny and racism?' a fourth tweeted. 'Jane Campion really got on stage and decided to tear two Black women down for no f*cking reason whatsoever,' a fifth tweeted.
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Campion has since issued an apology to the Williams sisters in a statement shared with Vanity Fair which reads, 'I made a thoughtless comment equating what I do in the film world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved. I did not intend to devalue these two legendary Black women and world-class athletes.'
She continued, 'The fact is the Williams sisters have, actually, squared off against men on the court (and off), and they have both raised the bar and opened doors for what is possible for women in this world. The last thing I would ever want to do is minimize remarkable women. I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments are titanic and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologize and completely celebrate you.'
The Power of the Dog also took home Best Picture, as well as Best Director and Best Film at the BAFTAs. Smith took home Best Actor at both awards ceremonies.
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'Thank you for entrusting me with your story. What your family was able to do inspired everyone in this room, everyone in this country and everyone around the world. You all define the American dream,' he told both stars, as well as the film’s executive producer, Isha Price.
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Topics: Film and TV, Entertainment
