Actor Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction, Westworld, The Batman) celebrated the importance of “genuine freedom” in the U.S. and beyond during a brief and very warmly received public appearance at the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Friday.
In Wright’s honor, the Czech festival is screening the film Basquiat (1996) about U.S. artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, “which he personally introduced at the 32nd Karlovy Vary,” as organizers highlighted. At Saturday evening’s closing ceremony of the fest, the actor, whom they lauded as “one of the most versatile artists of his generation,” will receive KVIFF‘s President’s Award.
Celebrating the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat is key, the star said before the screening of the film. “What he represented, I think, is many things. But at his core, he represents the power of freedom, the power of creativity, the power of being genuinely oneself and expressing that,” Wright said.
“He is an American artist who I think speaks to the core of what America wants to be – and that is a beacon of freedom, of real freedom, not superficial freedom, not hypocritical freedom, but the freedom to realize who you are, whoever you may be.”
Mentioning that Basquiat was “the son of immigrants,” Wright said: “His story wasn’t so well known prior to our releasing this film, so I’m really gratified to have played some role in introducing his work and some part of his life to a wider audience. Bringing the film here also speaks to another power that I think is so necessary now, and it’s the power of storytelling. It’s something like this idea of genuine freedom that we take for granted now.”
He continued that Basquiat “invites people from around the world to connect with his humanity in a way that binds us. And the more I think now that we can find those opportunities to find communality, to express our common humanity together, the more we need to seize them. And there is no greater vehicle than film for that. Wright concluded that “to express our humanity together and to celebrate this idea of freedom … is needed not only in America but around the world now.”
The actor has won a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award.
This year’s double anniversary edition of KVIFF has brought a parade of stars to the picturesque spa town, including Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, A Real Pain), Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Three Colors: Blue, In-I in Motion), Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Bride!, The Lost Daughter), Harvey Keitel (Mean Streets, Reservoir Dogs), legendary cinematographer Robert Richardson and Dustin Hoffman (The Graduate, Rain Man).
