How W. Kamau Bell feels about Bill Cosby getting back to his feet – The Hollywood Reporter

Sundance kicked off its festival with a mountain-chic opening night fundraiser that included honorees We need to talk about Cosby creator W. Kamau Bell.

The comic and filmmaker, who received the Vanguard Non-Fiction Award presented by Acura at an event presented by IMDbPro, has released the news that disgraced comedian Bill Cosby is planning a road trip. independent acting.

“It was clear to me that there were people around Bill Cosby who felt the need to keep his name in the press. He’s 85 years old. I don’t know many 85-year-old comedians on tour, especially given his history. I know my name will forever be associated with Bill Cosby because of this project, and I’m proud of the work that went into it and I support it, but I wouldn’t buy tickets if he was on tour. ”

Upon receiving his award, Bell, honored by Cassandro filmmaker Roger Ross Williams, detailed his path from “geek” to stand-up fan and stand-up comedian to the film’s executive producer and director. award-winning. We need to talk about Cosby. Bell said there was a time during the production of the film when he had to ask himself, “Whose idea is this?” He recalls, making sure to shout out to his mentors and collaborators who helped along the way.

“It was a way to remind myself that this was really my idea. I can only blame myself. It is comforting.” He also credits his only child and outsider status as key to his career. “Our weirdness is our superpower.”

This story first appeared in the January 27 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to sign up.