Kate Winslet has revealed that she deliberately refused to thank Harvey Weinstein while accepting her 2009 Oscar for Nazi drama The Reader, which the disgraced film mogul distributed through his studio Miramax Films.
Actress Kate Winslet speaks on stage at the Oscars. Photo / Getty
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, the actress said:
"I remember being told 'Make sure you thankHarvey if you win.' And I remember turning around and saying, 'No I won't. No I won't.' And it was nothing to do with not being grateful. If people aren't well-behaved, why would I thank him? The fact that I'm never going to have to deal with Harvey Weinstein again as long as I live is one of the best things that's ever happened and I'm sure the feeling is universal."
Winslet also revealed that Weinstein long took credit for making her a star, repeatedly reminding her that Miramax distributed what would be Winslet's first major movie: 1994's Heavenly Creatures.
Producer Harvey Weinstein (L) and Writer, Producer, Director Quentin Tarantino attend the 33rd annual Variety Home Entertainment Hall of Fame on December 10, 2013. Photo / Getty
"For my whole career, Harvey Weinstein, whenever I've bumped into him, he'd grab my arm and say, 'Don't forget who gave you your first movie,'" she recalled. "Like I owe him everything. Then later, with The Reader, same thing, 'I'm gonna get you that Oscar nomination, I'm gonna get you a win, I'm gonna win for you.'
"But that's how he operated. He was bullying and nasty. Going on a business level, he was always very, very hard to deal with - he was rude. He used to call my female agent a c--- every time he spoke to her on the telephone."
Winslet also revealed that Weinstein pulled the plug on the Nazi drama days before filming was due to end, leaving scenes unfilmed, and claimed "I can't even begin to describe the disgraceful behaviour that went on."
Kate Winslet attends the Steve Jobs Closing Night Gala during the BFI London Film Festiva. Photo / Getty
According to a Deadline expose in 2009, Weinstein was so desperate to release The Reader in time for Oscar consideration in 2008 that he personally pestered the widow of Anthony Minghella, the film's late producer, and "harassed" producer Sydney Pollack on his deathbed until he handed over control of the film's release date to him.
