American Fiction director Cord Jefferson has some words for Hollywood after he won his first Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Sunday night (March 10). The first-time film director and writer discussed how the industry should give more moviemakers a chance to prove themselves in a now-viral acceptance speech.
“It’s a plea to acknowledge and recognize that there are so many people out there who want the opportunity that I was given,” Jefferson said. “I understand that this is a risk-averse industry, but $200 million movies are also a risk. But you take the risk anyway. Instead of making one $200 million movie, make 20 $10 million movies or 50 $4 million movies.”
That bit about taking chances on cheaper films resonated with social media users. On X (formerly Twitter), that clip generated over 520,000 views and 20,000 likes just hours after he accepted his monumental award.
“I want other people to experience that joy. The next Martin Scorsese is out there. The next Greta [Gerwig] is out there. The next Christopher Nolan is out there," the filmmaker pleaded. "They just want a shot. And we can give them one.”
The Oscar winner concluded, “This has changed my life. Thank you all who worked on this movie, for trusting a 40-year-old Black guy who never directed anything before."
Jefferson adapted American Fiction, which was nominated for several awards including Best Picture, from the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett. He started his career in journalism before transitioning into the television realm, which earned him a Primetime Emmy award. American Fiction marks his directorial debut.
You can watch the full speech below:
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