West Side Story actress Rachel Zegler has addressed the backlash over her announcement that she hadn’t been invited to the Oscars 2022.
Fans were stunned when the actress, who plays Maria in Steven Spielberg’s hit remake, revealed she had not received an invite to attend the Academy Awards this Sunday.
It was particularly surprising as West Side Story is nominated for best picture, as well as best director for Spielberg and best supporting actress for Ariana DeBose, among several other nods.
Plus, Rachel is the lead star in the film which was one of the biggest movie releases in 2021.
After sharing the revelation on Twitter, Rachel thanked fans for their support and said that while she understood their frustration, they should rise above it.
She tweeted on Sunday night: ‘My goodness, folks!! appreciate all the support, i really really do. we live in such unprecedented times, and a lot of work behind the scenes goes into making movie magic happen. that goes for film productions (like the one I am so lucky to be currently shooting in london)…
‘…and awards shows alike. let’s all just respect the process and i’ll get off my phone x R.’
The 20-year-old actress had earlier tweeted: ‘Idk y’all i have tried it all but it doesn’t seem to be happening :’) I will root for west side story from my couch and be proud of the work we so tirelessly did 3 years ago.
‘I hope some last minute miracle occurs and i can celebrate our film in person but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes, i guess. thanks for all the shock and outrage – i’m disappointed, too. but that’s okay. so proud of our movie.’
Deadline has since reported that the distribution of Oscars tickets actually rests with the movie studios which, in this case, is Disney.
Fans have since called for Rachel’s supporters to in turn snub the Oscars themselves, with one tweeting: ‘You’re really testing me @TheAcademy. So much so, that I might boycott you! So, fix these decisions OR ELSE.’
Another agreed: ‘Let’s boycott the oscars unless they invite rachel zegler,’ while one simply stated: ‘Boycott the oscars.’
West Side Story, a remake of the 1961 classic, sees Rachel starring opposite Ansel Elgort playing her on-screen love interest Tony. In addition to its award nominations and wins, the film received widespread rave reviews from critics.
The Oscars 2022 takes place this Sunday broadcasting live from Los Angeles, California.
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