Ian McKellen alleges that Harvey Weinstein manipulated the Academy Awards in 1999, potentially preventing McKellen from becoming the first openly gay actor to win an Oscar.
The 86-year-old actor claims Harvey Weinstein ruined his chances of winning an Oscar after he was nominated for his role in ‘Gods and Monsters’.
At the Two Brewers, a gay bar in Clapham, London, Ian mentioned the film producer used many different tactics to get attention for his movies during awards season.
Roberto Benigni received the award for his performance in the film Life is Beautiful, a movie produced by Harvey Weinstein’s company, Miramax.
Ian reflected on Harvey Weinstein’s support, noting that ‘Gods and Monsters’ was a turning point in his career, leading to industry recognition and an Oscar nomination, though he didn’t ultimately win.
I carried a note in my pocket for years, and when the time came, I was proud to say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’m the first openly gay actor to receive this award.’
I had to put it back in my pocket. And that reminds me of Harvey Weinstein, who is currently in prison.
He was a highly successful film producer with a knack for promoting his movies. During awards season, he worked tirelessly to ensure his films received recognition and won awards.
I was nominated for an award one year and was even considered the favorite for a few weeks leading up to the ceremony. However, I didn’t end up winning.
‘It went to Roberto Benigni (Life is Beautiful).
‘Anyway, he won the award and it was a film, this is the point, Harvey Weinstein had produced.
We ran into each other again about five or six years later, and he apologized for taking the Oscar, saying, ‘I’m really sorry about that.’ He added that he was now in prison, which was… unexpected.
The Lord of the Rings famously came out in 1998 during a BBC radio interview aged 48.
He recently shared his sympathy for celebrities who hide their true selves, calling the need to stay closeted ‘ridiculous’.
After publicly coming out, he’s become a leading gay figure in Britain and actively supports LGBTQ+ rights.
In a recent interview, Sir Ian advised young actors who are hiding their true selves to follow their hearts and be genuine.
He shared that he’s never encountered anyone who regretted publicly coming out as LGBTQ+. He also expressed sympathy for well-known individuals who feel unable to be open about their identity.
Honestly, I just don’t get why anyone would hide who they truly are! It feels so… pointless. Everyone always tries to tell you what’s ‘safe’ or ‘practical,’ but forget that! You have to follow what you feel, what makes you happy. Just listen to your own heart, that’s all that matters.
In an interview with The Times of London, Sir Ian encouraged people to heed the advice of their LGBTQ+ friends, embrace their true selves, and live openly. He simply said, ‘Listen to your gay friends who know better. Come out. Get into the sunshine.’
Sir Ian pointed out that no openly gay actor has ever won the Best Actor Oscar, and that professional soccer in the UK still doesn’t have any openly gay players.
‘In women’s sport it’s not an issue,’ he continued.
As a longtime football fan, I’ve always suspected young players are often steered wrong, much like actors. It seems to me that agents, focused on their own earnings, sometimes give advice that isn’t actually in the best interest of the player’s career. It’s a frustrating thing to watch, honestly.
The first Premier League player to publicly come out as LGBTQ+ will instantly become a global icon, with companies lining up to endorse them and feature their name on products.
Sir Ian helped start Stonewall, a UK charity that works to advance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
Kate Winslet shared with The Sunday Times in 2021 that many young actors are afraid to come out about their sexual orientation.
She explained that many young actors – both famous and newcomers – are afraid of being open about their sexuality, fearing it could prevent them from getting roles as heterosexual characters.
‘Now that’s f***ed up…
‘I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality.
The discomfort comes from a fear of exposure – a worry about their secrets being revealed. They often express this as a simple desire to remain hidden.
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2025-11-17 19:50