The critically-acclaimed director insists the Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal-fronted Western romantic drama was robbed of Best Picture gong because of its gay love story.
- Mar 31, 2024
AceShowbiz - Director Ang Lee has openly attributed the loss of the Academy Award for Best Picture to his film "Brokeback Mountain" in 2006 to discrimination against its gay love story.
In a recent interview with IndieWire, Lee expressed his belief that "Brokeback Mountain" faced a "ceiling" due to its subject matter. Despite receiving significant support, it ultimately lost the award to "Crash".
"It has that feeling," Lee said, referring to the Academy's perceived bias at the time. "I wasn't holding a grudge or anything. It's just how they were."
Despite its Best Picture loss, "Brokeback Mountain" won three other Oscars that year, including Best Director for Lee. The filmmaker expressed disappointment over the Best Picture outcome but acknowledged the film's haunting and beautiful story.
Lee also reflected on his upbringing as an outsider, which has influenced his artistic choices. "Repressed characters, I suppose, those stories attract me," he said. "Brokeback Mountain is just so beautiful. I have nothing in common with Wyoming gay cowboys, but why did I cry? It's just a beautiful story."
Lee's comments come ahead of an honorary award ceremony from New York University, his alma mater. The filmmaker has won Best Director twice, for "Brokeback Mountain" and "Life of Pi," and his 2000 film "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" won four Academy Awards, including Best International Feature.
