Casey Affleck has won the coveted ‘Best Actor’ gong for his role in Machester by the Sea, despite many protests he was even in the running due to sexual harassment allegations made against him in 2010.
“I’m only here because of the talents and goodwill of people,” Affleck said as he accepted the accolade at the prestigious event.
The 41-year-old actor thanked Denzel Washington, another nominee in the category, for teaching him how to act in his childhood.
“I’m really proud to be a part of this community, I’m just dumbfounded that I’m included.”
He might not be the only one…
His nomination was met with backlash due to the sexual harrassment allegations made against him. So the win is sure to anger people further.
Two women accused him of sexual harassment in 2010 but both allegations were settled outside of court.
He was accused of harassing two women on the set of the Joaquin Phoenix mockumentary “I’m Still Here,” which he directed. A Mashable article prompted renewed interest in the allegations.
It’s not the first time the Academy has disregarded allegations of this nature.
Roman Polanski pleaded guilty to the rape of a 13-year-old girl and has since won an Oscar and Woody Allen has been accused of sexually abusing his adopted daughter but has also been honoured.
There will no doubt be a lot of fresh backlash to Affleck’s win.
