Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars Speech: What He Said and Why It Matters

Jonathan Glazer gave a bold speech at the 2024 Oscars. His film, The Zone of Interest, won Best International Feature Film. His words connected the movie to today’s world. This caused a big stir. Some loved it. Others didn’t. This article explains the Jonathan Glazer Oscars speech, his background, the film’s meaning, and the debate it sparked. Whether you’re a movie fan or curious about the Oscars controversy 2024, we’ve got you covered.

Glazer used his moment to talk about big issues like war and human rights. His speech was short but powerful. Let’s dive in!

Who Is Jonathan Glazer?

Jonathan Glazer is a British filmmaker. He was born in London in 1965. He grew up in a Jewish family. He studied theatre design in college. This helped him create films with strong visuals.

Glazer started with music videos. He made cool ones for Radiohead and Jamiroquai. His “Virtual Insanity” video won awards. Then, he directed ads for brands like Guinness. His ads were creative and won prizes too.

His first movie, Sexy Beast, came out in 2000. It was a hit. He later made Birth with Nicole Kidman and Under the Skin with Scarlett Johansson. His latest film, The Zone of Interest, won at Cannes and the Oscars. Glazer takes years to make each film. He wants them to be perfect.

Want to know more about his work? Check out Jonathan Glazer movies. His story shows how hard work leads to big wins.

Jonathan Glazer’s Big Achievements

Glazer has done a lot in his career. Here’s a quick list:

1. Music Videos: He made videos for Blur and Massive Attack. His Radiohead video for “Karma Police” is famous.
2. Cool Ads: His Guinness and Levi’s ads won over 90 awards.
3. First Film: Sexy Beast made $10 million. It was a crime story with big stars.
4. Sci-Fi Hit: Under the Skin got an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. Oscars Win: The Zone of Interest won two Oscars in 2024.

Glazer makes few films, but they’re special. His movies make people think. For more, see Jonathan Glazer net worth.

What Is The Zone of Interest About?

The Zone of Interest is a 2023 film by Glazer. It’s based on a book by Martin Amis. The story follows Rudolf Höss, who ran Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig. They live a normal life next to the camp. They have kids, eat dinner, and garden. But terrible things happen nearby.

The movie doesn’t show the camp’s horrors. Instead, you hear sounds like screams or guns. This makes it scarier. The film is about how people ignore bad things to live easily. It’s called the “banality of evil.”

Key ideas in the movie:

• Ignoring Evil: People act like bad things aren’t happening.
• Holocaust Memory: It reminds us not to forget history.
• Today’s World: Glazer says it connects to modern problems like war.

The film got a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It made $8.6 million. Learn more about its themes in our stars yell no more bombs article.

The Oscars 2024 Moment

The 2024 Oscars happened at the Dolby Theatre. The Zone of Interest won Best International Feature. Glazer gave his Jonathan Glazer acceptance speech with his team. He spoke for less than a minute. But his words were huge. He talked about war and peace. This made the Jonathan Glazer director speech a hot topic.

Oscars speeches often get attention. Glazer’s was no different. It joined other famous moments, like Marlon Brando’s 1973 protest.

What Did Jonathan Glazer Say? Full Speech

Here’s the Jonathan Glazer Oscars speech transcript:

“Thank you to the Academy. Thanks to A24, Film4, and the Polish Film Institute. Thanks to the Auschwitz Memorial for their help. Our film shows where ignoring people’s suffering leads. It’s not just about the past. It’s about now. We stand here as men who say no to our Jewishness and the Holocaust being used to justify an occupation that hurts innocent people. Whether it’s the victims of October 7 in Israel or the attacks in Gaza, we see all as victims. How do we fight back? A girl in our film, Aleksandra, chose to resist. I dedicate this to her memory. Thank you.”

This full transcript of Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars 2024 speech is short but deep.

What Did the Speech Mean?

Glazer’s speech had big ideas. Here’s what he meant:

• Look at Today: The film isn’t just about history. It’s about what we do now.
• Jewish Identity: Glazer, who is Jewish, said some misuse the Holocaust to defend actions he disagrees with.
• War Hurts Everyone: He mentioned Israel and Gaza. He wants peace for all.
• Resist Evil: He pointed to a real girl who helped people in danger.

The Jonathan Glazer Oscars speech meaning explained is about using art to make us think. It ties to the The Zone of Interest movie meaning.

Why Was the Speech Controversial?

The Jonathan Glazer Oscars 2024 controversy grew fast. Here’s why:

1. Mixing Issues: Some said linking the Holocaust to Gaza was wrong. A Holocaust group called it “morally indefensible.” See The Guardian’s report.
2. Hollywood Letter: Over 450 Jewish people in film signed a letter against the speech. They said it could spark hate.
3. Misunderstood Words: Some thought “refute Jewishness” meant denying identity. Glazer meant rejecting misuse.

But others loved it. Some Jewish groups called it brave. Actress Kristen Dunst said it was about humanity. The debate shows how Hollywood political statements split people.

How People Reacted

The speech blew up online. On X, #JonathanGlazer trended. Some posts said:

• “He spoke the truth at the Oscars!” – A fan.
• “He shouldn’t compare those things.” – A critic.

A poll by Variety showed 45% liked the speech, 30% didn’t, and 25% were unsure. Stars like Ramy Youssef supported peace messages too. BBC coverage said it went global.

What Critics Said

Critics had different views:

• Support: Sight and Sound said it matched the film’s message. Read BFI’s take.
• Against: Some in Hollywood felt it was too political.
• Middle Ground: The New Yorker called it a bold stand.

This fits into award acceptance speeches analysis. It shows art can start big talks.

How Audiences Felt

Different groups reacted differently:

• Movie Fans: They liked how it connected to the film.
• Jewish Community: Some were upset, others agreed.
• Regular People: Many searched “What did Jonathan Glazer say in his Oscars speech?”

The speech got millions of views online.

Glazer’s Message on Israel and Gaza

Glazer’s Jonathan Glazer Israel comments called for peace. He didn’t take sides. He said war hurts innocent people. His Jonathan Glazer Gaza words focused on stopping suffering.

Breaking Down the Speech

Here’s why it worked:

• Clear Structure: Thanks, then big ideas, then a dedication.
• Big Impact: It made the Oscars about more than awards.
• Lasting Talk: Like other famous speeches, it’s remembered.

See more on Glazer’s style in The Fall Jonathan Glazer.

Glazer’s Filmmaking Style

Glazer’s films stand out:

• Strong Pictures: He uses images to tell stories.
• Sounds Matter: In The Zone of Interest, you hear the horror.
• Deep Ideas: His movies make you think about life.

Young filmmakers copy his style.

How Hollywood Reacted

Some stars, like Javier Bardem, backed Glazer. Others stayed quiet. The public reaction to Oscars speeches showed a big divide.

Oscars 2024: A Bigger Picture

The 2024 Oscars had other peace messages. Stars wore pins for a ceasefire. Glazer’s speech was the loudest. It fits a history of Oscars 2024 acceptance speech backlash, like protests in the 1970s.

Tips to Understand the Speech

1. Watch The Zone of Interest.
2. Read the speech transcript.
3. Look at both sides of the debate.

This helps you get the full picture.

Why This Speech Still Matters

The Jonathan Glazer Oscars speech made people think. It linked a movie to real-world issues. Glazer’s background as a top director gave it weight. His words about peace and humanity are still talked about. They show how films can change how we see the world.

What do you think about Glazer’s speech? Was it bold or too much? Tell us!