Jane Campion’s comments about Serena, Venus Williams at Critics Choice Awards generate backlash

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Jane Campion is in a bit of hot water after a controversial comment about Serena and Venus Williams at the Critics Choice Awards.

Campion won best director at the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards on Sunday for her Netflix film, The Power of the Dog. During her acceptance speech, she made comments about the legendary tennis players.

At first, Campion seemed to praise the Williams sisters, who were in attendance in support of the film King Richard, a biopic about their father and tennis coach, Richard Williams.

“Venus and Serena, what an honor to be in the room with you,” Campion said. “I’ve taken up tennis. I really have, and when you want to come over and give me lessons, I’d truly love it.”

Then, after acknowledging her fellow nominees as “the guys,” she ended the speech by evoking the Williams sisters again. “Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys like I have to.”

Campion was making a statement about the competition she faces amongst male directors. She is only the third female filmmaker to win best director at the Critics Choice Awards. She was nominated with Paul Thomas Anderson, Kenneth Branagh, Guillermo del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and Denis Villeneuve, as reported by Newsweek.

However, many viewers felt Campion referring to the Williams sisters during her speech was unnecessary and uncomfortable and expressed those views on social media.

Venus Williams’ real-time reaction to Campion’s comments was one way those criticizing Campion illustrated how out of place her statement was.

We’ve all worked with or for a Jane Campion. pic.twitter.com/iCYsaFN5Sy

— Kimberly Drew (@museummammy) March 14, 2022

Some believed Campion was taking a veiled slight towards the Williams sisters.

Backhanded compliment… she could've left this part out… https://t.co/JiPxnPnJBc

— Double L must Rock The Bells (@LoveThePuck) March 14, 2022

Others felt that Campion’s statement was much deeper than a gaffe.

That Jane Campion whiplash is a perfect distillation of white feminism.

— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) March 14, 2022

Hmmm Jane Campion’s "You know, Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys like I have to." When you don’t see the systemic patriarchal racism of elite professional sports & ignore the many when they go lows Serena & Venus had to go high on

— Stephane Dunn (@DrStephaneDunn) March 14, 2022

Jane Campion, like way too many white women, went a step too far, with a smile on her face, and absolutely no self-awareness. This is why @Karnythia started #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen.

She is why some of us are hesitant to engage with even the most well meaning folks. Fatigue.

— April (@ReignOfApril) March 14, 2022

Still, the evening turned out to be one the Williams sisters could celebrate. Will Smith took home the best actor award for portraying their father in King Richard. Smith thanked the Williams family for trusting him to be in the movie and praised them for their accomplishments.

“What you were able to do, and what your family was able to do, inspired everyone in this room, everyone in this country, and everyone around the world,” Smith said in his acceptance speech. “You all define the American dream. You represent the best of what we all hope this world and this country can be.”

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