All articles tagged with #jewish representation
The second season of Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This' loses some of its charm, with diminished chemistry between leads and new creative directions that introduce repetitive plotlines and character inconsistencies, despite attempts to address previous issues and expand supporting roles.
Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This' returns for a second season, evolving to address criticism about its portrayal of Judaism and Jewish characters, while maintaining its romantic comedy core and exploring deeper character stories, with input from religious consultants and showrunners.
Nearly 300 Hollywood figures, including Tiffany Haddish and Josh Gad, have signed an open letter urging the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to include Jews in its diversity and inclusion standards, criticizing the omission of Jews as an underrepresented group. The letter, organized by the advocacy group Jew in the City’s Hollywood Bureau for Jewish Representation, emphasizes the need for authentic storytelling and equal treatment for Jews as a protected class in the entertainment industry. The Academy's current standards, introduced in 2020, do not include Jews in the list of underrepresented groups, prompting calls for immediate action to address this issue.
Over 260 Jewish entertainment figures, including Juliana Margulies, Greg Berlanti, and Mayim Bialik, have signed a letter critiquing the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for excluding Jews from its diversity standards. The letter argues that Jewish people are an underrepresented group and should be included in the Academy's Representation and Inclusion Standards. It also highlights the historical and genetic identity of Jews and the lack of authentic representation in Hollywood, calling for changes to the standards to combat antisemitism and promote authentic storytelling.
Mayim Bialik, known for her role in "Blossom," called out "Saturday Night Live" for using "Jewface" to mock her as a teenager in a 1994 sketch. Bialik expressed her confusion and shame over the sketch, in which a cast member wore a prosthetic nose to portray her character. She reflected on the impact it may have had on young girls who looked up to her as a Jewish role model. Bialik emphasized the importance of representation and acceptance of her Jewish identity, stating that her nose is undeniably Jewish and a part of her genetic makeup.
Mayim Bialik reflects on a Saturday Night Live sketch from 1994 that mocked her nose with a prosthetic, discussing her complicated feelings about being singled out for her features. She also weighs in on the recent controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose in the film Maestro, questioning the necessity of using makeup to portray Jewish people. Bialik shares her personal journey with self-acceptance and concludes that her nose is undeniably Jewish, and she embraces her identity.
The controversy over the casting of non-Jewish actors as Jewish characters in Hollywood continues to spark debate. The upcoming biopic "Maestro," featuring Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein, has faced criticism for using a prosthetic nose to resemble the legendary composer. Comedian Sarah Silverman and others have raised concerns about the lack of Jewish representation in casting decisions, pointing out the double standard when it comes to cross-racial casting. Israeli actors have also faced criticism for playing non-Jewish roles, particularly Arabs, in Hollywood films. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle for accurate and inclusive representation in the entertainment industry.
The controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose to play Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming Netflix film "Maestro" is distracting from more important issues. While some argue that a non-Jewish actor should not be playing a Jewish role, the involvement of Jewish individuals in the film, including Bernstein's estate, suggests otherwise. Instead of focusing on this non-story, attention should be directed towards addressing real-life antisemitism and bigotry. Bernstein's legacy should inspire us to engage with our cultural heritage and create meaningful works of art.