John Malkovich Heads to Israel for ‘The Music Critic’ as ‘Wild Horse Nine’ Puts Him in the Oscar Race: “Closeness and Solidarity”

Plot twist! John Malkovich is set to star in a production of “The Music Critic” in Israel next year, just 24 hours after entering the top of the best actor race for his “Wild Horse Nine” performance. I gather he won’t be getting Mark Ruffalo’s vote.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the satirical theatrical-musical production is scheduled for April 13 at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. Created by Russian-German Jewish violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman, the show combines classical music and comedy, with Malkovich playing an “evil critic” who delivers scathing reviews of composers including Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann and Chopin.

Malkovich’s upcoming appearance comes amid disruptions and boycotts affecting international cultural bookings in Israel due to the ongoing regional conflict. Malkovich is defying all that — he’s headed to the holy land a month after next year’s Oscars are set to take place.

Malkovich has visited Israel several times, including appearances at the Jerusalem Film Festival in 2008 and performances in 2013. He has been a staunch supporter of Israel over the year, and back in 2002, even said that a journalist that criticized Israel should have been shot.

Here’s his official statement in regards to returning to Israel stage next year for “The Music Critic.”

I am thrilled to return to Israel and look forward to meeting the warm Israeli audience once again, to whom I feel a strong closeness and solidarity. I hope to find you happy and optimistic! Sending you much love.

I don’t know about you guys, but the upcoming Oscar season just got much spicier.

Malkovich just made an appearance at the Venice Film Festival for Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine,” which earned a 14-minute standing ovation after its premiere. Malkovich was visibly moved during the response, and he’s now, to many, the frontrunner to win the best actor Oscar.