“Star-Studded Lineup for History Talks: Barack Obama, Kevin Costner, and Kate Winslet to Speak”
A diverse array of stars and influential figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, gathered at the Academy Museum for A+E’s History Talks. The event featured meaningful discussions that drew on historical themes while inspiring future generations.
Among the prominent speakers were Kate Winslet, Kevin Costner, Kerry Washington, Nicole Avant, John Legend, Eva Longoria, and Chuck Todd, alongside various historians and experts. Notably, the conversation featuring Bush was held off-the-record.
Obama engaged in a deep dialogue with Malcolm Gladwell, covering a range of topics such as the significance of storytelling, the Reconstruction era, and the Affordable Care Act. The two refrained from discussing the current presidential race. Obama shared a poignant story about his grandmother’s younger brother, who was part of the army unit that liberated a concentration camp during World War II. He emphasized the importance of narratives in processing trauma, noting how his uncle struggled in silence upon returning home.
Reflecting on the Affordable Care Act, Obama expressed surprise at its delayed popularity, humorously acknowledging the website launch issues that contributed to its rocky start.
Winslet discussed her long-awaited film Lee, which centers on photojournalist Lee Miller. She passionately addressed the project while critiquing societal perceptions of actresses. “People say, ‘You were so brave, you had no makeup.’ Do we ever tell men, ‘You were brave for growing a beard?’” she remarked, earning laughs from the audience. Winslet also highlighted the double standards in questions about balancing career and motherhood, urging for a change in these dynamics.
Costner reminisced about his childhood experiences with Westerns, sharing a humorous anecdote about attending a birthday party that included a four-hour screening of How the West Was Won. He playfully noted that his own films tend to be similarly lengthy.
The event also featured Washington and Avant discussing their upcoming Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the story of a predominantly Black women’s army battalion in World War II. Washington praised the film’s subjects for their critical role during a time of national disconnect, stating, “These women came in and saved the day.”
The L.A. Roybal Film and Television Magnet, co-founded by George Clooney and others, was recognized during the program, with 100 students in attendance. High-profile executives from various studios and networks, including Disney’s Bob Iger and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, were present as well.
The program concluded with a conversation between Longoria and Legend, focusing on activism and their commitment to raising awareness. Legend capped off the event with a performance that included a Bob Marley cover and his hit song “All of Me.”
