Martin Scorsese on winning Sight and Sound’s best films of 2023 poll with Killers of the Flower Moon
At the top of our best films of 2023 poll stands Scorsese’s late masterpiece, an epic story told in intimate terms about the systematic robbing and murder of the Osage of Oklahoma in the 1920s. Here he responds to his win.
I’ve been so heartened by the response to Killers of the Flower Moon. To have been able to make this picture, at this time in my life, and to see it so appreciated by so many, and by the Osage community in particular… for me, it’s grace.
When I was told that it had topped the critics’ poll at Sight and Sound, I have to say that I was moved. The magazine has been so important to me, for such a long time.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve seen the cinema ridiculed in so many different ways. Over the last few years, the ridicule has reached a new level. The cinema has been culturally devalued, from all sides and at a constant pace.
Anyone who loves the cinema needs to stand up for it. What I don’t mean is the idea of movies as a kind of cultural messaging delivery service, which can actually play a part in the devaluation. What I do mean is the art of cinema. Period.
I’ve been subscribing to Sight and Sound for 60 years. And when I look through the pages of the latest issue, it always lifts my spirits. Why? Because it’s made and maintained by people who care.
People who love our artform. Please keep it that way.
Thank you for your recognition of Killers of the Flower Moon.