Steve Martin addresses ‘lifetime dismissal’ of comedy films at Oscars

Actor has hosted Academy Awards three times

Steve Martin has commented on the absence of comedy films at the Academy Awards.

The actor, who has starred in hit comedies such as Father of the Bride and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, was speaking at a virtual session at the New Yorker Festival on Wednesday night (7 October), when he said: “It’s a lifetime of dismissal of comedy. And we who make it know that we really work hard.”

He added: “You know, drama has an inherent weight and comedy has an inherent lightness. So, I mean I don’t worry about that, I don’t worry that comedians don’t get Oscars.”

Although a few films with comic elements have found favour at the Oscars in recent years – such as Parasite, Birdman and The Artist – dramas are much more likely to win Academy awards, from 12 Years a Slave to Spotlight and Moonlight.

Speaking at the same event as Martin, Jerry Seinfeld noted his frustration that comedians are sought-after Oscars hosts and their skits are often the highlights of the evening.  

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin at the 2010 Oscars (Rex Features)

“Will Ferrell comes out and that’s the best part of the whole night!” he said.

Martin has hosted the Oscars three times – in 2001, 2003 and 2010.