By Zuko Komisa
Ukrainian group is protesting the Oscar nomination for ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has nominated “Top Gun: Maverick” starring TTo Cruise for several Oscars, including Best Picture.
A global Ukrainian organization is protesting the nomination, stating concerns about the movie’s alleged connections to a Russian oligarch.
Los Angeles Times reports that Monaco-based Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev played a major role in funding “Top Gun: Maverick,” the “Mission: Impossible” sequels and a slate of other major Paramount films through his role as a “silent partner”.
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The Toronto-based organization, established in 1967 and serving Ukrainian communities globally, urged the Academy to denounce “Russia’s war against Ukraine and any attempts to influence Hollywood and American society” during Sunday’s Oscars ceremony.
“The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) expresses its serious concern over Russia’s influence on the Hollywood film industry. In particular, as it relates to the nominations of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ for six awards at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best picture included,” said the letter signed by the organization’s president, Paul Grodd.
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