Star-Studded Lineup for History Talks: Barack Obama, Kevin Costner, Kate Winslet and More
A host 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. This event featured deep discussions that not only reflected on the past but also aimed to inspire the future.
Among the notable speakers were Kate Winslet, Kevin Costner, Kerry Washington, Nicole Avant, John Legend, Eva Longoria, and Chuck Todd, along with a selection of historians and experts.
While Bush’s conversation was off-the-record, Obama engaged in an extensive dialogue with Malcolm Gladwell. They explored various topics such as the significance of storytelling, the Reconstruction era, and the Affordable Care Act, deliberately avoiding discussions about the current presidential race. Obama shared a poignant story about his grandmother’s younger brother, a teenager in an army unit that liberated a concentration camp during World War II. He emphasized the importance of storytelling, noting how his uncle struggled to process his experiences after returning home.
“My grandmother told me that when Uncle Charlie came home, he basically isolated himself for six months,” Obama recounted. “There wasn’t a way to talk about it, no language to describe the horror he witnessed. That’s the power of stories.”
He also candidly discussed public perceptions of the Affordable Care Act, humorously remarking on the website launch’s initial failure, which he felt delayed its acceptance.
Winslet spoke passionately about her upcoming film Lee, centered on photojournalist Lee Miller, a project nearly a decade in the making. She addressed the way society often comments on female performances, humorously critiquing the double standards in how men and women are asked about their careers and family lives. “Do we ever ask men how they juggle being a father with their careers?” she challenged, prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
Reflecting on her craft, Winslet expressed ambivalence about discussing the actor’s process. “At the end of the day, we’re not saving lives. Sometimes you just have to immerse yourself in the role,” she explained.
Costner shared his affection for the American West, recounting his first experience with Westerns at a childhood birthday party. He humorously noted that his latest film, Horizon: An American Saga, was inspired by that early love of the genre, joking about its lengthy runtime.
Other highlights included Kerry Washington and Nicole Avant discussing their Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the story of a predominantly Black women’s army battalion in World War II. Washington emphasized the importance of these women’s contributions during a time of national disconnect. “They came in and saved the day, saved the fight,” she remarked.
Overall, the event was a blend of reflection and inspiration, showcasing the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history.
