Will Ferrell has responded with humour and defiance to the 2025 Academy Award snub of his documentary, ‘Will & Harper’. The 57-year-old actor-producer took a light-hearted jab at the Oscars during an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, inviting the documentary branch of the Academy Awards to “suck it” after the film failed to receive any nominations.
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During the interview, Colbert praised the documentary, which follows Ferrell and his transgender friend Harper Steele on a cross-country road trip, calling it one of the best documentaries he’s seen in years. However, when asked about the Oscar nomination, Ferrell deadpanned, “We didn’t get it,” leading to a humorous exchange between the two.
In response to Colbert’s expletive-laden frustration with the Academy, Ferrell jokingly added, “Especially the doc branch,” playfully criticising the Oscars’ Best Documentary Feature nominators. He even went as far as mockingly calling them “losers” and encouraging any members of the documentary branch present in the audience to “suck it”.
‘Will & Harper’ premiered to critical acclaim at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before being released in theatres and on Netflix later in the year. While it may have missed out on an Oscar nomination, the documentary has not gone unnoticed, receiving accolades such as being named among the top five documentaries of 2024 by the National Board of Review and securing a spot as a documentary nominee at the upcoming BAFTA Awards.
Despite the snub from the Oscars, ‘Will & Harper’ continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling and human connection on screen. Ferrell’s lighthearted response to the Oscar snub highlights the unpredictability and subjectivity of awards season, demonstrating that recognition and appreciation can extend far beyond a prestigious nomination.
The 97th Academy Awards will see films like ‘Black Box Diaries’, ‘No Other Land’, ‘Porcelain War’, ‘Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat’, and ‘Sugarcane’ competing for the coveted Best Documentary Feature award, showcasing the diversity and depth of storytelling in the documentary genre.
Ferrell’s candid and humorous reaction to the Oscar snub of ‘Will & Harper’ serves as a reminder that the true value of filmmaking lies in the connections made with audiences and the impact it has on individuals. While awards are a recognition of excellence, they do not define the worth or quality of a film, especially one that has touched hearts and inspired viewers like ‘Will & Harper’.
As the film industry continues to evolve and diversify, stories like ‘Will & Harper’ play a crucial role in amplifying voices and experiences that may otherwise go unheard. Ferrell’s unapologetic response to the Oscar snub exemplifies the resilience and spirit of creators who are dedicated to sharing meaningful stories that resonate with audiences around the world.
In a landscape where recognition is often equated with success, ‘Will & Harper’ stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the transformative impact of personal narratives. Ferrell’s defiance in the face of disappointment reflects a deeper truth about the art of filmmaking – that true success lies in the connections forged with audiences and the lasting impact of a well-told story.