David Mamet slams Hollywood's shift towards diversity as "nonsense"

In recent years, the film industry has undergone significant changes, with an increasing emphasis on the representation of minorities on and off the screen. Despite this, not everyone supports such trends. David Mamet, the acclaimed screenwriter known for "The Untouchables," strongly criticizes this shift.

David Mamet’s portfolio includes impactful films like "The Verdict" starring Paul Newman and Charlotte Rampling, "The Untouchables" directed by Brian De Palma, and "Ronin" by John Frankenheimer with Robert De Niro and Jean Reno. His contributions have marked some of the most notable moments in cinema history. Yet, at 76, Mamet is openly critical of the direction in which modern filmmaking is heading.

Last year, Mamet released a book titled "Everywhere an Oink Oink. An Embittered, Dyspeptic, and Accurate Report of Forty Years in Hollywood." He shared his candid views with Matt Brennan during the Los Angeles Festival of Books. He particularly condemned the industry’s shift towards DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives, which he labels as “fascist totalitarianism.” He specifically criticized awarding based on demographic quotas rather than merit.

Mamet likely refers to the American Film Academy's introduction of diversity criteria in 2020, which will be implemented in 2024. These rules mandate representation for non-white and minority actors in leading roles and the broader cast, and they also extend to aspects of storytelling and production. This shift led to the exclusion of films like "Marvel," "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" from Oscar contention.

While acknowledging past discrimination that hindered diverse artists from success and major engagements, Mamet argues that today’s countermeasures are excessively zealous. He disparages supporters of DEI initiatives, showing no interest in this trend within the industry.