David Baddiel reignites debate over anti-Semitism in Hollywood: Star brands Oscar hair and makeup nods to Golda and Maestro nominations for Jewish face

David Baddiel last night described the Oscar nominations for Golda and Maestro for hair and make-up as “nominations for the Jewish face” after the two films sparked controversy over the use of prosthetic noses.

The films faced backlash after actors Bradley Cooper and Helen Mirren were cast to play American composer Leonard Bernstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, even though neither star was Jewish.

Yesterday, the two Hollywood films received Oscar nominations for hair and makeup, prompting Baddiel to say on Twitter/X: “I see the Academy has shortlisted Golda & Maestro for the *Hair & Makeup* category.” Literally: Oscar nominations for Jewface.

Cooper apologized for any offense caused and explained that he “didn’t look right” without the prosthetic. Bernstein’s children defended Cooper’s use of “makeup to exaggerate his likeness,” adding that they were “sure” that Bernstein would have approved of it as well.

Discussing the casting, Mirren told the Radio Times last year: “The whole casting thing has exploded fairly recently.

She has played other Jewish roles (in Woman in Gold and The Debt), but none as Jewish as Golda Meir. I told Jay Nattiv, the Jewish-Israeli director, that I wasn’t Jewish, in case he thought I was. I said, “If that’s a problem, I’ll walk away. No problem.” But he said: No, it’s not a problem. “I want you to play Golda.” And we went.”

Mirren faced criticism last year for playing the role of Golda Meir, before pointing out that this is not the first time she has played a Jewish role, and that she is convinced that she has Jewish heritage somewhere.

Discussing the controversial casting, she told Radio Times: “The whole casting thing has exploded somewhat recently.

She has played other Jewish roles (in Woman in Gold and The Debt), but none as Jewish as Golda Meir.

“I told[Jay Nattiv, the Jewish-Israeli director]that I’m not Jewish, in case he thinks I am.” I said, “If that’s a problem, I’ll walk away. No problem.” But he said: No, it’s not a problem. “I want you to play Golda.” And we went.”

Meanwhile, Cooper – who also directed Maestro – was called out for playing on “Jewface” stereotypes with exaggerated facial features and casting a non-Jewish actor in a Jewish role.

Gary Archer, a Los Angeles resident who has worked on films such as The Wolf of Wall Street and Mrs. Doubtfire, Interview with the Vampire, and the Austin Powers movies, reacting that he was “terribly woke” and saying the ongoing uproar is simply “stupid.”

Meanwhile, Irish actor Cillian Murphy is not Jewish, but is widely expected to win the Best Actor Oscar for his lead role in the biopic Oppenheimer, in which he played the father of the atomic bomb, who is Jewish.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has previously been accused of ignoring the Jewish contribution to Hollywood.

Jewish immigrants played a crucial role in building the American film industry with figures such as Jack Warner, Samuel Goldwyn, and Louis B. Mayer establishing the studio system.

But they were later ignored by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures after it opened in Los Angeles in 2021 and it barely acknowledged their contribution, favoring other minority groups.

Since the Hamas attacks on Israel last October, Hollywood has been divided on the issue.

Susan Sarandon has paid the price for speaking out after being dropped by United Talent Agency following comments she made at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York.

The Thelma and Louise actress said: “There are a lot of people who are afraid to be Jewish at this time, and get a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, which is often subject to violence.” Meanwhile, last month, Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon, 57, began a five-day hunger strike to demand a ceasefire between the warring factions.

Elsewhere, Tom Cruise’s agent, Maha Dakhil, resigned from her board seat at the creative arts agency after sharing a post on social media accusing Israel of committing genocide; She later apologized and stayed with the company.

Actress Melissa Pereira has been fired from Scream VII by production company Spyglass Media over social media posts that were interpreted as anti-Semitic.

The Mexican actress described Israel as committing “genocide” and “brutally killing innocent Palestinians, mothers and children under the pretext of destroying Hamas.”

MailOnline has contacted the Oscars for comment.