The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has urged organisers of the Academy Awards to “review the eligibility” of the Top Gun sequel for this yr’s ceremony, as a result of movie’s alleged ties to a Russian oligarch.
Top Gun: Maverick, which sees star Tom Cruise return to the skies greater than 30 years on from the unique, is up for finest image at this yr’s Oscars, in addition to 5 different awards together with movie modifying and visible results.
Just a number of days earlier than the ceremony on Sunday, the UWC has revealed an open letter on-line calling on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to be “vigilant” in opposition to “any attempts to influence Hollywood and American society”.
It comes after a current report by the Los Angeles Times which detailed the movie’s alleged funding ties to Dmitry Rybolovlev, a Russian oligarch who has been sanctioned by Ukraine.
According to the UWC, Mr Rybolovlev’s involvement with the movie “was not publicly disclosed”. The organisation mentioned there may be “good reason to believe that his involvement may have led to censorship on behalf of the Kremlin”.
It continued: “Contrary to the original film, Top Gun: Maverick makes no direct or indirect reference to Russia. This is hardly a coincidence.”
The UWC’s letter, which is addressed to Academy president Janet Yang and members of the board of governors, requires “appropriate action” in opposition to movies with Russian involvement.
“Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine around the world are grateful to the Academy for its long-standing support of Ukraine,” the letter mentioned.
“We have been moved by the second of silence displaying solidarity with Ukraine eventually yr’s Academy Awards and by the varied tributes made by Academy members.
“As they enter the second year of defending the families against Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians are grateful to receive this important support from such a high-profile and influential institution.”
The letter went on to element the UWC’s “serious concerns” over Russian affect in Hollywood.
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The UWC known as for the Academy to “explicitly reject films with any direct or indirect investments by Russian oligarchs or other enablers of Russia’s genocidal war on Ukraine”.
It mentioned the eligibility of the blockbuster Top Gun sequel ought to be reviewed and {that a} “strong statement” ought to be issued by the Academy condemning the warfare.
The letter was signed by the UWC president Paul Grod, who concluded: “Together we can make a difference to stop Russia’s war crimes against the Ukrainian people.”
Sky News has contacted the Academy and Top Gun: Maverick manufacturing firm Paramount Pictures for remark.
You can watch the Academy Awards on Sunday 12 March from 11pm solely on Sky News and Sky Showcase. And for all the things it is advisable to know forward of the ceremony, do not miss our particular Backstage podcast obtainable on Friday morning, plus a winners particular episode from Monday morning
Source: information.sky.com”