Elizabeth Banks criticized the lack of women represented in Hollywood movies, both on camera and behind the scenes.
(David Shankbone)
Actress Elizabeth Banks criticized director Steven Spielberg for not having a female lead in his films and Black women were not here for it, swiftly pointing out “The Color Purple” as an example.
“I went to [see] ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Jaws’ and every movie Steven Spielberg ever made, and by the way, he’s never made a movie with a female lead,” TheWrap reported Banks as saying while accepting an award from the non-profit group Women in Film Wednesday, June 14.
“Sorry, Steven. I don’t mean to call your ass out, but it’s true.”
When an audience member pointed out 1985’s “The Color Purple,” which starred Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, Banks moved on from the topic.
Many Twitter users took issue with Banks.
All she had to do was acknowledge she was wrong after they brought up The Color Purple pic.twitter.com/QSJsYM5313
— Bit Bit (@searchforbetter) June 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/bravenak/status/875340115857428480
My timeline today
Elizabeth Bank: Spielberg never made a movie with a woman
Black Twitter: ….The Color Purple pic.twitter.com/Mw6g9yZl44
— Anansa Marie (@XaremiCharm) June 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/SigmaR3LLA/status/875341475499921408
https://twitter.com/EricHaywood/status/875340958790852609
In response to Banks’ statement, IndieWire Editor-at-Large Anne Thompson tweeted the Oscar-nominated film flopped before a responder questioned her.
The correction didn’t stop people from slamming Thompson.
https://twitter.com/NerdAboutTown/status/875344683999932416
https://twitter.com/freeblackgirl/status/875327736956452865
https://twitter.com/crissles/status/875341271249891329
Someone called The Color Purple a flop? In 2017? In this economy? pic.twitter.com/FlnHzi8i8A
— L. Warren (@iamlaurenp) June 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/ShaylaRacquel/status/875340512420663296
https://twitter.com/darleneturner53/status/875349088270790657
