Sir Ian McKellen urges actors to come out after revealing Oscars snub
– 1 min read
Sir Ian McKellen has reignited the conversation about LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood, urging actors to “get into the sunshine” and reject the closet, as he revealed how Harvey Weinstein allegedly rigged the 1999 Oscars to block his historic win.
Speaking at London’s iconic LGBTQ+ venue Two Brewers, McKellen reflected on his nomination for Gods and Monsters, where he portrayed gay filmmaker James Whale. He was widely tipped to win Best Actor, which would have made him the first openly gay actor to take home the award. Instead, the Oscar went to Roberto Benigni for Life Is Beautiful, a Weinstein-backed film.
Years later, Weinstein allegedly admitted to McKellen that he had interfered: “He said, ‘Oh, I do apologise for stealing the Oscar from you.’”
But McKellen’s most powerful message wasn’t about the award - it was about authenticity. He revealed he had prepared a speech that would have marked a milestone for queer representation: “I had a note in my pocket saying, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to be the first openly gay actor to receive this award.’ Well, I had to put it back.”
McKellen, a founding member of Stonewall and lifelong advocate, used the moment to urge young actors to live authentically: “Being in the closet is silly - there’s no need for it. Don’t listen to your advisers, listen to your heart. Come out. Get into the sunshine.”
Weinstein, now serving a 23-year sentence for sexual offences, was notorious for aggressive Oscar campaigns.
