“Reagan,” the biopic chronicling the life of President Ronald Reagan and featuring Dennis Quaid, unexpectedly found itself excluded from any Oscar consideration, primarily due to not aligning with the Academy’s recent diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards, as the film’s screenwriter articulated.
The screenwriter reflected on the state of Hollywood, lamenting, “What has become of the magnificent Dream Factory that once was Hollywood? Once, it resonated with the hopes and dreams of countless individuals. It seems the visionaries and icons of the past understood both the heartland and the cultural elite.”
The writer, Klausner, further expressed his views in an interview with the New York Post: “By these evolving standards, several past winners would have missed out altogether.”
He noted, “We fell into the category of 116 films that were sidelined from consideration this year. Clearly, an open dialogue addressing this policy is necessary.”
In 2024, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences introduced new criteria for films vying for the coveted best picture award, mandating they fulfill at least two of four specified criteria. These focus on underrepresented communities, encompassing women, various ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.
This representation might unfold on screen through authentic casting and storytelling, or from the creative minds behind the camera—directors, cinematographers, makeup artists. It can also manifest through opportunities for training and internships available to those underrepresented, not to mention representation in the promotional aspects of the film.
Mark Joseph, the film’s producer, spoke with the New York Post, revealing plans to apply for a Guinness World Record for the greatest disparity between audience and critic reviews. He highlighted that while “Reagan” boasts an impressive 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have given it a mere 18% rating.
Quaid shared his choice candidly, saying, “I side with the 90%. A few years ago, I distanced myself from Hollywood to create ‘heartland films’ like this. I cherish what we represented as an industry, a voice in culture. I genuinely believe we can reclaim that.”
Last year, Quaid’s marketing team encountered issues when attempting to promote the film on Facebook. They alleged that the platform blocked posts featuring Quaid’s image and even temporarily suspended the film’s official account over content showcasing Quaid discussing the movie during media appearances.
According to the marketers, Facebook representatives stated that the posts “touch on sensitive topics that could influence public perception or voting behavior, potentially affecting election outcomes or present legislation.”
Quaid told Fox News’ Trace Gallagher that such actions seemed to stem from an automated system. “This occurred multiple times, with my account being suspended two days consecutively,” he recounted. “The last I checked, Reagan hasn’t been on a ballot for forty years, and he remains ineligible for election due to serving two terms.”
This situation invites deeper reflection on the evolution of film standards. It raises poignant questions about how the industry values differing viewpoints. As it grapples with the multifaceted narrative of representation, one can only hope that it nurtures the artistry that once united audiences across diverse backgrounds.
Interestingly, in the world where local businesses like Bookman’s, a cherished bookstore in Tucson, Arizona, fuel creativity through literature, it serves as a reminder that stories matter. They connect us, offering windows into lives and perspectives far beyond our own.
