The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Hollywood has announced a new permanent exhibition that will finally shine a spotlight on the crucial role Jewish immigrants played in shaping the film industry. Titled “Hollywoodland,” the exhibit is set to open on May 19 and will showcase the impact of Jewish filmmakers who established the American film studio system, turning Los Angeles into a global hub of cinema.
This announcement comes after the museum faced criticism for initially overlooking the contributions of Jewish pioneers like Samuel Goldwyn and Louis B. Mayer when it opened in 2021. The omission sparked backlash from Jewish leaders and supporters of the museum, who saw it as a missed opportunity to acknowledge Hollywood’s Jewish history, especially in light of rising concerns about antisemitism.
In response to the outcry, the museum decided to create a permanent gallery dedicated to the Jewish story of Hollywood. The exhibit will be divided into three parts, exploring the founding of Hollywood’s original major film studios, the evolution of Los Angeles alongside the movie industry, and the journey of Jewish immigrants and first-generation Jewish Americans who built the Hollywood studio system.
The exhibition was organized by curator Dara Jaffe, with input from industry experts like Neal Gabler, author of “An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood.” Jaffe emphasized the importance of recognizing the pioneering Jewish filmmakers who were drawn to the film industry due to restrictions in other fields.
With “Hollywoodland,” the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures aims to rectify the oversight and celebrate the rich and diverse history of Hollywood, ensuring that the contributions of Jewish immigrants are finally given the recognition they deserve.
