Richard Gere, who will receive the International Goya Award in Granada on Saturday, marking the 50th anniversary of his debut in the film industry, has warned at the Alhambra about the current political situation in the United States since the return of Donald Trump to power, describing it as a "dark marriage" of power and money, as reported by Europa Press. "Billionaires are now in charge of America," he denounced.
The renowned American actor and producer is the most internationally recognized guest visiting the Nasrid site these days, on the eve of the 39th Goya Awards ceremony at the Granada Conference Center. He held a press conference at the Palace of Charles V, within the Nasrid monumental complex, before a private visit.
The star of 'An Officer and a Gentleman' pointed out that "we need to be vigilant" as they were not aware of "how quickly" the new Trump administration would progress. The actor lamented that there are "billionaires in charge of America today," which he believes poses "a danger to all people on this planet."
This "dark marriage" of power and money is "irresponsible and dangerously corrosive," Gere stated, expressing, in the presence of his wife, Spanish Alejandra Silva, his "gratitude" for the "opportunities" his artistic career has provided him, as well as his concern for social causes such as homelessness.
The actor, known for roles that brought him worldwide fame such as Edward Lewis in 'Pretty Woman,' described the current political moment in the United States as "deeply disturbing" and expressed being "shocked" considering that "the people spoke and chose this president, and that is a fact."
Nevertheless, "the people who voted for him didn't even think he would do what he promised to do," and it has been shown that it can be "even worse," referring to the "dark depth" of everything he has been doing in recent weeks.
Gere specifically mentioned the decision to close international organizations and programs that were doing extraordinary work, such as those assisting people with HIV in Africa. He highlighted the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as "one of the best humanitarian programs in the world" and hopes that "people will stand up" against the "very dark times" ahead.
When asked by journalists if Hollywood could be at risk, he stated that "the world is at risk" with people doing "one dark thing after another" since Trump, whom he did not refer to by name at any point, took office in the White House.
Living in Spain allows him to see "how happy his wife is," as well as enjoy the "great" food and people of this land. He praised his friend Antonio Banderas ahead of the ceremony on Saturday, where he is expected to receive the International Goya Award, declining to comment on the social media posts of actress Karla Sofía Gascón.
Although he remembered Granada and the Alhambra with fewer tourists when he visited four decades ago, he was impressed by "the incredible dance of history" in this Andalusian heritage site, where he also reflected on the evolution of American cinema throughout his career, during which he had the opportunity to shoot "wonderful" films.
He acknowledged that the business model of major studios has changed, stating that while "large investments are needed to make a film," truly independent cinema is very challenging. Expressing his fascination with Spain and his desire to learn more about Spanish culture, particularly Andalusian culture, he mentioned that he would be delighted to make a film in his current country of residence.
When asked, almost obligatory while in Granada, about Federico García Lorca, he mentioned that the poet from Fuente Vaqueros is known "worldwide," as evidenced in places like New York.
The Spanish Film Academy announced on January 30th that Gere was awarded the International Goya for his "extraordinary contribution to the film industry, starring in some of the most iconic films in cinema history, and his social commitment, demonstrated both personally and professionally, over decades."
He will be the fourth recipient of the International Goya in history, following actresses Cate Blanchett, Juliette Binoche, and Sigourney Weaver. The Academy highlighted the actor's "undeniable" physical appeal, as he has been acting for five decades and will receive the International Goya Award in the year marking the 50th anniversary of his debut in the film industry.
Terrence Malick, Francis Ford Coppola, John Schlesinger, Robert Altman, Paul Schrader, Richard Brooks, Lasse Hallström, Mike Figgis, Todd Haynes, Rob Marshall, Mira Nair, and Jerry Zucker are some of the directors who have worked with the star of 'Days of Heaven,' 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' 'Breathless,' 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar,' 'Hachiko: A Dog's Story,' 'Internal Affairs,' 'Mr. Jones,' 'First Knight,' 'The Jackal,' 'The Hoax,' 'I'm Not There,' 'The Flock,' 'Amelia,' and 'Brooklyn's Finest.'
Gere, who was born in Philadelphia 75 years ago and grew up in a small town in Upstate New York, has collaborated with actresses such as Julia Roberts, Kim Basinger, Jodie Foster, Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Diane Keaton, Diane Lane, and Uma Thurman.
Among his accolades is the Donostia Award from the San Sebastián Film Festival, which he received in 2007. Gere has been residing in Spain since last autumn and was even spotted this past Christmas following the Three Kings Parade in Madrid at the InterContinental Hotel.
Furthermore, thirty years ago, he founded the Gere Foundation to channel his intense activism in support of Tibetan autonomy and the preservation of Tibetan culture advocated by the Dalai Lama - the actor has been practicing Buddhism since he was 20 years old - as well as his support for the rights of indigenous peoples, refugees, and the homeless.