There have been some other public criticisms of Leto's casting. Leto was given a Virtuoso award at the festival for his breakthrough performance, alongside June Squibb, Michael B Jordan and Brie Larson he has already won a best supporting actor Golden Globe this year, and is tipped to win the Oscar in the same category. The audience applauded Leto's comments, and he privately continued the conversation with the woman after the Q&A. Leto responded: 'Then you've made sure people that are gay, people that aren't straight, people like the Rayons of the world would never have the opportunity to turn the tables and explore parts of that art,' referring to Rayon, his character in Dallas Buyers Club.

The woman complained that only straight actors ever play transgender characters, and that more trans actors should get the opportunity.