The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures initially faced criticism for overlooking the significant contributions of Jewish immigrants like Samuel Goldwyn and Louis B. Mayer in the creation of Hollywood and the film industry. However, the museum has now announced the details of a new permanent exhibition called “Hollywoodland” that will highlight their impact.
Scheduled to open on May 19, the exhibition will focus on “the impact of the predominately Jewish filmmakers whose establishment of the American film studio system transformed Los Angeles into a global epicenter of cinema.”
When the museum first opened in 2021, it emphasized the contributions of women, artists of color, and individuals from various backgrounds but failed to mention the crucial role played by Jewish immigrants in founding the Hollywood studio system. This omission sparked complaints and concerns from Jewish leaders and supporters of the museum.
The museum’s oversight was particularly troubling given the current rise of antisemitism. Various publications, including The Forward, highlighted the erasure of Jewish history in the museum’s exhibits.
In response to the backlash, the museum decided to create a permanent gallery dedicated to the Jewish story of Hollywood. They consulted rabbis and Jewish scholars to ensure an accurate representation.
The exhibition will be divided into three parts: “Studio Origins,” “Los Angeles: From Film Frontier to Industry Town, 1902-1929,” and “From the Shtetl to the Studio: The Jewish Story of Hollywood,” which includes a documentary narrated by Ben Mankiewicz.
The exhibition was curated by Dara Jaffe, with assistance from Gary Dauphin and Josue L. Lopez. Neal Gabler, author of “An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood,” served as an adviser.
Jaffe emphasized the importance of recognizing the pioneering Jewish filmmakers who were drawn to the film industry due to restrictions in other fields. They were instrumental in establishing the Hollywood studio system.
