Barry Jenkins shared what he would have said in his “Moonlight” acceptance speech if things had gone to plan
One of the worst things about the whole Best Picture hiccup at this year’s Oscars was that the Moonlight crew didn’t really get their moment. You know, when the winners should rightfully get to soak up a few minutes in the limelight and share what’s in their hearts.
But Moonlight director Barry Jenkins just shared his thoughts to Entertainment Weekly — as in, what he would have said had his moment not been, well, kind of rushed and awkward (FYI, he handled it with amazing poise and grace, as did the La La Land producer, Jordan Horowitz). Jenkins’ words are incredibly thoughtful, and they speak to the experience of so many.
"[Moonlight playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney] and I are this kid. We are Chiron. And you don’t think that kid grows up to be nominated for eight Academy Awards. It’s not a dream he’s allowed to have. I still feel that way. I didn’t think this was possible. But now I look at other people looking at me and if I didn’t think it was possible, how are they going to? But now it’s happened. So what I think of possibility, let’s take it off the table. The thing has happened."
We’re so proud of what Jenkins and his cast and crew were able to achieve with Moonlight.
It’s a tender and achingly beautiful story that feels super unique in the telling of familiar themes: love, friendship, and identity — and the hurt that can accompany both.
via giphyWe’re already looking forward to the next project from Jenkins, because he’s clearly a hugely talented director. If you’re interested in going back through his filmography to see some of his earlier work, his first feature, Medicine for Melancholy, is available on Netflix.
Thanks for sharing your stories with us, Barry.