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Gina Prince-Bythewoodbelieves her filmThe Woman Kingdeserved better.
While chatting with PEOPLE at Icon Mann’s pre-Oscar dinner at Waldorf Astoria on Wednesday night, the director, 53, spoke candidly about her feelings on the film not getting a singleOscar nominationthis year, despite garneringnods for best actress or best directorat other events like theCritics Choice Awards,Screen Actors GuildAwards and theBAFTAs.
“I’ll never get over it, because what happened was egregious and … it speaks to such a bigger issue in our industry,” Prince-Bythewood told PEOPLE.
“But [it also speaks to] who I am, the people around me, these actors,” she added, referring to the film’s stars, which includeViola DavisandSheila Atim. “We will never take our foot off the gas. We’re ready to do something next. We’re ready to do something as big, we’re ready to do something together. So we always keep that energy no matter what happens.”
Prince-Bythewood’s words echoed earlier sentiments she shared in February, when the director, whose past films includeLove and Basketball(2000) andThe Old Guard(2020),spoke out for the first timeabout her film getting shut out of the Oscar competition. She toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat “this awards season was an eye-opener.”
Prince-Bythewood said that despite the lack of recognition, the film has gone on to make a greater “impact,” citing the movie’s positive reviews from critics and audiences, as well as its “groundbreaking and historic” global box office numbers.
“Not only doesThe Woman Kingexist in the world, but it’s a success in the world. … So our film made money and clearly had a cultural impact, which is what we all hoped for,” she also toldTHR.
“But the Academy made a very loud statement, and for me to stay quiet is to accept that statement,” Prince-Bythewood added. “So I agreed to speak up, on behalf of Black women whose work has been dismissed in the past, is dismissed now like Alice Diop and Saint Omer,Chinonye ChukwuandTill— and for those who haven’t even stepped on a set yet.”
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As for what comes next for herself, Prince-Bythewood told PEOPLE that one positive thing that’s happened as a result of the movie’s success is that it has opened up several different avenues for stories that she could tell.
“Honestly, I’m waiting to take a vacation so I can get some clarity,” the director said. “The beauty is I have great choices, and for me, it’s what am I going to give my next two years to.”
“The fact that I have to make a difficult choice on my hand is a great thing because it’s good to have choices,” she continued.
Added Prince-Bythewood: “On the other hand, there’s so much I want to do. There’s so many stories I’m going to tell. I’m just happy that I have the opportunity to do any of them.”
source: people.com
