The SchizAwards, the First Ceremony to Put an end to False Narratives about Schizophrenia

Mar. 27, 2024

For the 21st edition of the Schizophrenia Days, just days after this year’s Oscars, The Good Company worked with the PositiveMinders association to launch the first edition of the SchizAwards, an awareness campaign aimed at changing perceptions about the mental illness that affects 1 out of every 100 people.

Cinema has the Oscars, now Schizophrenia has the SchizAwards…

Mental illnesses are a frequent source of fodder for film and series creators, fueling the collective consciousness. However, such portrayals often misrepresent the reality of these complex conditions, reinforcing misconceptions and perpetuating stigmatizing biases. This is exemplified by the troubling statistic that 80% of fictional characters portrayed with schizophrenia are shown exhibiting violent behavior, and a staggering 1/3 are cast as murderers. These misrepresentations contribute to a misinformed public perception, highlighting the urgent need for more accurate and empathetic representations.

In a bid to reconstruct the narrative around schizophrenia and to distance public perception from the misleading portrayals in films, The Good Company initiated an innovative awareness campaign for the NGO PositiveMinders aimed at demystifying the mental disorder and fostering understanding and support.

The SchizAwards ceremony, which was posted on social media and at www.schizawards.com March 15, centered on a discussion analyzing these portrayals from the most inaccurate to the most relevant, aiming to enlighten the general public about the true nature of this psychological disorder.

Vincent Maraval, distinguished producer recognized for acclaimed works such as The Artist, The Wrestler, Looking for Eric, Les Misérables, and Blue Is the Warmest Color, and champion of the SchizAwards, stated:

"The film industry has drawn extensively from the narratives of schizophrenia. Yet, with the condition remaining widely misunderstood and its depiction in film often superficial, I take great pride in supporting the SchizAwards. My aim is to promote a deeper comprehension and awareness of this complex illness."

 

The SchizAwards, hosted by comedian Morgane Cadignan, accompanied by a jury of experts

The SchizAwards, hosted by Morgane Cadignan, comedian and radio commentator, recognized films that have addressed the subject in a faithful or, conversely, inaccurate manner. Three awards were presented by a jury consisting of six experts (individuals living with schizophrenia, relatives, psychiatrists, directors, and actors):

• SchizAward for the film where the audience was led to believe a character was schizophrenic, when in fact, they weren’t
• SchizAward for the movie that aimed to show a person with schizophrenia but ended up with the most inaccurate portrayal - Ryan Reynolds
• SchizAward for the film that provides the best representation of a person living with schizophrenia - Jamie Foxx

The jury consisted of Nathan Hofstetter, director and actor living with schizophrenia, Naama Trottier, illustrator and veterinary assistant living with schizophrenia; Laurence Trouiller, regional delegate of UNAFAM Hauts-de-France; Eric Boucher, actor, Jean-Victor Blanc, psychiatrist, author, and founder of Culture Pop & Psy, and Marine Raimbaud, psychiatrist and expert on the portrayal of schizophrenia in cinema.

A concerned and committed jury:

Jean-Victor Blanc, psychiatrist, author, and speaker, founder of Culture Pop & Psy said:

"At the heart of the SchizAwards lies a crucial mission: to use cinema as a catalyst for changing perceptions. It's time to move beyond stereotypes and promote more accurate representations of schizophrenic disorders."

 

Naama Trottier, future veterinary assistant and manga artist, living with schizophrenia said:

"I have long fought against the stigmatization of schizophrenia (and other mental illnesses). This program could change things and motivate the general population to learn about what schizophrenia truly is."

 

Marine Raimbaud, psychiatrist and expert on the portrayal of schizophrenia in cinema said:

"The stigmatization of mental disorders is the main obstacle to the care of patients and future patients. Cinema is a medium I use with patients and students so I’m pleased to participate in the SchizAwards to fight against stigmatization."

 

Nathan Hofstetter, director and actor living with schizophrenia said:

"This condition is not just a pathology; it's a gift, a heightened sensitivity, a strength, a genuine power. While cinema and societal perceptions often link schizophrenia with violence, in reality, it's the complete opposite, it's the love that we carry with all our strength."

 

Laurence Trouiller, regional delegate of UNAFAM Hauts-de-France said: 

"Awarding a prize to stop the misrepresentation about schizophrenia in films is about raising awareness of our misconceptions of the illness. The goal is to cultivate a critical mindset among viewers in the face of significant social stigma."

 

Eric Boucher, actor with several relatives living with schizophrenia said:

"Schizophrenia is a vast and delicate realm that should be approached with kindness and care. Relatives affected by it have opened my eyes to how much ignorance there can be on this subject."

 

The event will feature prominent guests Jamie Foxx and Ryan Reynolds, or almost… Created by AI, a virtual Jamie will receive an award for his depiction of Nathaniel Ayers, a cellist who developed schizophrenia in The Soloist, and Ryan Reynolds for his portrayal of Jerry Hickfang, a man living with and trying to hide his schizophrenia in The Voices.

Hadi Hassan-Helou and Nicolas Gadesaude, creative directors at The Good Company commented:

"Schizophrenia is probably the only illness that has made its way into everyday language. The general public uses it frequently and often incorrectly. Cinema has played a role in this. The SchizAwards are a way to use fiction to set the record straight."