Casey Affleck withdraws from Oscars

Controversial actor will not present Best Actress award

by Jennie Kermode

Casey Affleck
Casey Affleck Photo: Bex Walton

He's been the subject of controversy for over a year, and now Casey Affleck has officially withdrawn from March's Oscar ceremony. "We appreciate the decision to keep the focus on the show and on the great work of this year," said the Academy.

The star, who won the Best Actor award last year for Manchester By The Sea, had been expected to present this year's Best Actress award in accordance with Oscar tradition.

Affleck has been on the receiving end of two sexual harassment lawsuits filed by women he worked with on I'm Still Here in 2010. Both lawsuits were settled out of court and as part of the settlement the star is not allowed to talk about them, but he has denied the charges.

Melissa Silverstein of Women and Hollywood, which works to promote equality in the industry, welcomed today's announcement.

Share this with others on...
News

Streaming Spotlight: the race is on On London Marathon Day, we get into the spirit of the races

An unexpected friendship Sean Pecknold on bringing a neighbourhood to life in Tennis, Oranges

'Movies give you the energy to give time to time' Vivianne Perelmuter and Isabelle Ingold on their open approach to New Beginnings

Uncertain waters Justin Anderson on unpredictability, the influence of Buñuel, and Swimming Home

Lynne Ramsay and Kirsten Stewart back on the Croisette Cannes organisers add titles to the final mix as opening night looms

More news and features

We're bringing you news, reviews and more from Fantaspoa and Queer East.



We're looking forward to Cannes.



We've recently brought you coverage of Visions du Réel, the Overlook Film Festival, BFI Flare, the Glasgow Short Film Festival, South by Southwest, the Glasgow Film Festival, the Berlinale, Sundance, Palm Springs and DOC NYC.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

More competitions coming soon.