Shame will be one of the most high-profile absentees as next weekend’s Oscar ceremony, having initially been touted for a host of nominations in high-profile categories. Director Steve McQueen has spoken out about the decision, and says it’s down to America’s awkwardness around the subject of sex.
“In America they're too scared of sex,” says McQueen. "That's why [ Michael Fassbender ] wasn't nominated. If you look at the best actor list you're saying, ' Michael Fassbender is not on that list?’”
It certainly strikes us as a bizarre omission, but McQueen suggests he’s perfectly happy to let the Academy get on with it. “It's kind of crazy, but that's how it is,” he says. “It's an American award, let them have it.”
As for Fassbender, McQueen has nothing but praise for the Irish star. “He's a once in a generation actor,” he says. “He's an actor who can transform and transcend, and you actually believe him. That's the kind of guy he is.”
When asked to whether they will be collaborating again in the future, McQueen sounded equally positive.
“It's all about the script,” he explains. “If Michael's the right person for the character and if he likes the script. What I like about our relationship is it's not tied, it's not a marriage. It's friendship and it's done out of respect of each other's talents and each other's love of film.”
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