Did Hollywood rig the 1999 Oscars against Ian McKellen? Shocking claim unveils secret plot

Sir Ian McKellen has long been a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. His iconic roles, from King Lear on stage to Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, have earned him global acclaim.

However, the 86-year-old actor recently made headlines for a claim that extends beyond acting—one involving the 1999 Oscars. McKellen alleges that a powerful Hollywood producer manipulated the awards, costing him a historic Best Actor win.

This revelation sheds light on the intersection of ambition, influence, and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.

A night that could have made history​

The year was 1999. Sir Ian had just delivered a masterful performance as director James Whale in Gods and Monsters, a role that earned him a Best Actor nomination. For weeks leading up to the Academy Awards, he was considered a frontrunner. In his own words, he even had a speech ready: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to be the first openly gay actor to receive this award.”

But when the envelope was opened, it was Roberto Benigni’s name that echoed through the Dolby Theatre, winning for Life is Beautiful—a film distributed by Weinstein’s Miramax. McKellen’s note went back in his pocket, and a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ visibility slipped away.

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The producer’s influence behind the scenes​

Speaking candidly at London’s Two Brewers, a beloved gay bar, McKellen didn’t mince words about Weinstein’s influence. “He was very busy come awards season time, making sure that it was his films that won the awards,” McKellen recalled. “And the year I was nominated and I think was the front runner for a few weeks before the actual ceremony. I didn’t win the award. It went to Roberto Benigni.”

Years later, McKellen ran into Weinstein at an event. The producer reportedly offered a half-hearted apology: “Oh, I do apologise for stealing the Oscar from you.” McKellen’s response? “Which was nice, but he’s in prison now.”

Weinstein’s aggressive Oscar campaigns are the stuff of Hollywood legend. From lavish parties to relentless lobbying, he was known for bending the rules—and sometimes breaking them—to secure wins for his films. While the Academy has since tightened its regulations, the shadow of those years still lingers.

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Why this loss carried weight​

For McKellen, losing was more than a missed trophy—it was symbolic. Coming out publicly in 1988, he became a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ actors in an industry that, even today, often pressures stars to stay closeted. “I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it,” he told The Times of London. “Being in the closet is silly—there’s no need for it. Don’t listen to your advisers, listen to your heart.”

Despite his two Oscar nominations, McKellen notes that no openly gay actor has ever won Best Actor. “Gods and Monsters was a breakthrough and I was embraced by that side of the industry. I received an Oscar nomination. But did not receive an Oscar.”

The pressure to stay hidden​

McKellen’s experience mirrors challenges faced by others. Kate Winslet, another Oscar winner, has spoken out about the “terrified” young actors she knows who hide their sexuality for fear it will cost them roles. “I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality,” she told The Times. “It’s painful because they fear being found out.”

The pressure to conform isn’t limited to Hollywood. McKellen points out that the UK’s Premier League football remains a “straight sport,” with agents and advisers warning players to stay silent. “But the first Premier League footballer to come out will become the most famous footballer in the world, with all the agencies begging for his name on their products,” he predicts.

A lifetime of advocacy​

Beyond his acting, McKellen has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As a founding member of Stonewall, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charity, he’s used his platform to push for equality and acceptance. His message to young, closeted actors is clear: “Listen to your gay friends who know better. Come out. Get into the sunshine.”

The Oscars’ ongoing struggle​

It’s been more than two decades since that fateful Oscar night, and the Academy is still waiting for its first openly gay Best Actor winner. While progress has been made—think of the success of films like Moonlight and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ stories—there’s still a long way to go.

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Key Takeaways

• Sir Ian McKellen has claimed that Harvey Weinstein rigged the 1999 Oscars, saying it cost him the chance to be the first openly gay actor to win Best Actor for his role in Gods and Monsters.
• McKellen revealed he had even prepared a speech about being proud to be openly gay, but never got to deliver it after losing to Roberto Benigni in Life is Beautiful, which was produced by Weinstein's company.
• The actor has since encouraged young, closeted actors to be true to themselves, stating he’s never met anyone who regretted coming out, and described staying in the closet as “silly.”
• McKellen also commented on the wider struggles LGBTQ+ people face in entertainment and sport, saying that young stars often hide their sexuality due to poor advice and fear it will hurt their careers.

What do you think about Sir Ian’s claims? Do you believe Hollywood is still playing favorites behind the scenes? Have you or someone you know faced pressure to hide who they are, whether in the arts, sports, or elsewhere?