This year, Taylor Swift faced backlash after being chosen to participate in Variety’s Directors on Directors. Netizens took to Twitter to criticize the singer, accusing her of undermining other struggling female filmmakers who deserve more attention.
Directors on Directors is an annual program in which notable directors discuss the year’s major films as well as their own directing experiences.
This year’s cast of directors includes pop singer Taylor Swift, who is being honored for directing her November music video All Too Well. The series, which premieres on December 12, will open with a conversation between Martin McDonagh and Taylor Swift.
Ramin Setoodeh, Variety’s co-editor-in-chief, stated:
“Since Taylor Swift’s short film ‘All Too Well,’ which premiered in New York last winter, Variety has been impressed with her vision as a filmmaker. We are delighted to welcome her to the ranks of James Cameron, Ryan Coogler, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and the other year’s most daring and successful filmmakers.”
Other filmmakers include James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of the Water), Robert Rodriguez, Ryan Coogler (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), Chinonye Chukwu (Till), Tyler Perry (A Jazzman’s Blues), Sarah Polley (Women Talking), Francis Ford Coppola, Joe Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), and Rian Johnson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery).
The majority of people, however, are unhappy with Swift’s inclusion on the list and have expressed their displeasure with Variety’s decision. Many people have criticized Taylor on Twitter, claiming that she only shot a short music video and does not have the years of experience that the other filmmakers on the show do. One person claimed to admire Taylor Swift but thought the stunt was “crazy.”
Netizens accuse Taylor Swift of abusing her ‘power’ by attending Variety’s Directors on Directors event
Taylor’s 15-minute music video for All Too Well, which featured actresses Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien, received a lot of love and comments from fans and critics. When the short film was released, her directing abilities were praised. In September, the singer also revealed the concept at the Toronto International Film Festival. People on social media have assumed Taylor is aiming for an Oscar after learning that she may be nominated in the Academy Awards short film category. As a result, she’s taking part in Directors on Directors to strengthen her foundation as a filmmaker.
Taylor Swift directed a 10-minute MUSIC VIDEO and is working with real directors who have dedicated their entire lives to the craft.
What did Martin McDonagh do to deserve such treatment from Variety? pic.twitter.com/ZpTN4Vg6XQ
December 8, 2022 — Stefano (@AllysPimp_)
Martin McDonagh describes his experience directing two of the best actors working today to Taylor Swift, who directed… Dylan O Brien and Sadie Sink photo: https://twitter.com/AmlteLzjwT
December 8, 2022 — Hannah (@rejectedhannah)
Several people, including Taylor Swift fans, are outraged by her appearance on the show. Their main concern is that Taylor will deprive many other filmmakers of acclaim and exposure, as well as the opportunity to display their work on a prominent stage, more than she does. Another user went on to compile a list of female filmmakers who would have benefited greatly from this platform if Taylor’s music video hadn’t overshadowed their work.
Others are skeptical of Taylor’s filmmaking background and directing abilities. They believe she is completely unqualified to speak with Martin McDonagh, an experienced and Oscar-nominated filmmaker. Despite this, some of her fans have remained loyal to her and applauded her inclusion in Directors on Directors.
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