Taylor Swift faced flak this year after being selected to participate in Variety’s Directors on Directors. Netizens flocked to Twitter to condemn the singer, accusing her of undermining other struggling female filmmakers who need more attention. Directors on Directors is an annual presentation in which prominent directors discuss the most important films of the year and their directing experiences.
This year’s directorial cast includes pop singer Taylor Swift, who is being honored for directing her music video All Too Well, which was released in November. The series, which will air on December 12, begins with dialogue between Martin McDonagh and Taylor Swift.
Ramin Setoodeh, co-editor of Variety, stated:
“Since Taylor Swift’s short film ‘All Too Well’ aired in New York last winter, Variety has been impressed by her vision as a filmmaker. We are thrilled to have her join James Cameron, Ryan Coogler, Gina Prince-Bythewood and other year’s most adventurous and successful filmmakers.”
James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of the Water), Robert Rodriguez, Ryan Coogler (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), Chinonye Chukwu (Till), Tyler Perry (A Jazzman’s Blues), Sarah Polley (Women Talking), Francis Ford Coppola, Joe Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and Rian Johnson are among the other filmmakers who will appear on (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery).
However, the majority of people are unhappy with Swift’s presence on the list and have expressed displeasure with Variety’s verdict. Many people have criticized Taylor on Twitter, claiming that she just shot a short music video and lacks the years of expertise that the other filmmakers have in the program. One person claimed to admire Taylor Swift, but thought the attempt was “crazy.”
Netizens are criticizing Taylor Swift for allegedly abusing her “power” by participating in Variety’s Directors on Directors event.
Taylor received much love and comment from fans and critics for her 15-minute music video for All Too Well, starring actresses Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien. Her directing abilities were praised when the short film came out. The singer also unveiled the concept at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. People on social media assumed Taylor was looking for an Oscar after learning she may be nominated in the short film category at the Academy Awards. As a result, she participates in Directors on Directors to solidify her foundation as a filmmaker.
Taylor Swift directed a 10 minute MUSIC VIDEO and will be paired with real directors who have devoted their lives to the craft.
What did Martin McDonagh do to Variety to be so disrespected? pic.twitter.com/ZpTN4Vg6XQ
— Stefano (@AllysPimp_) December 8, 2022
Martin McDonagh explains what it was like directing two of the best actors to Taylor Swift who directed… Dylan O Brien and Sadie Sink pic.twitter.com/AmlteLzjwT
— Hannah ❄️ (@rejectedhannah) December 8, 2022
Several people, including some Taylor Swift fans, are angry about her appearance on the program. Their biggest fear is that Taylor will rob many other filmmakers who need this recognition and notoriety more than they do, as well as the chance to showcase their work on a prominent stage. Another user then compiled a list of female filmmakers for whom this platform would have been a great opportunity if Taylor’s music video hadn’t overshadowed their work.
Others also question Taylor’s film background and directing skills. They find her completely unfit to speak to an experienced and Oscar-nominated filmmaker like Martin McDonagh. Despite this, some of her followers have remained loyal to her, praising her for being included in Directors on Directors.
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