- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
After several pundits attacked Dallas Buyers Club‘s Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto for not mentioning AIDS in their Golden Globes speeches Jan. 12, both actors stressed their solidarity with AIDS sufferers in their Jan. 16 reactions to their Oscar nominations.
Said McConaughey, “I share this with the entire Dallas Buyers Club family of filmmakers, cast, and crew — and the real-life Ron Woodroofs and Rayons who continue to fight and live with dignity. Thank you.”
Leto said, “Today you not only honor me but also all those around the world living with AIDS and all those we have lost to this disease. Thank you for recognizing them and recognizing their struggle through Dallas Buyers Club. This was a fascinating story told by a group of incredibly passionate and committed filmmakers who wanted to create something special and shine a light on a unique and important story.”
David France, director of the Oscar-nominated 2012 AIDS doc How to Survive a Plague, bitterly criticized the filmmakers in THR, but Plague‘s most vocal subject, activist Peter Staley, praised the stars for their Oscar statements, posting them on his Facebook page with a smile icon and the words, “They’re listening!” — evidently meaning McConaughey and Leto heeded the criticism of France and others.
PHOTOS: 2014 Oscar Snubs: Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, ‘Saving Mr. Banks’
As THR reported, Staley advised Dallas Buyers Club filmmakers on the script, but has only voiced support for McConaughey’s Oscar campaign, not for the script itself. Staley posted on Facebook, “Is it possible to be both happy and horrified that Dallas Buyers Club made the list of Oscar Best Picture nominees? And for Best Original Screenplay? Wow.”
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day