The Academy Announces New Measures to Increase Representation at the Oscars
Future films must meet representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility.
In an effort to address the lack of diverse representation in the film industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new initiative to expand inclusion and representation within its membership as well as the greater film community.
On its website, the Academy has outlined new plans and changes to help advance inclusion in entertainment, including assembling a “task force of industry leaders” to develop new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility. Furthermore, instead of a fluctuating number of nominations, the Best Picture category will be permanently set at 10 nominees starting with the 94th Academy Awards in 2022.
The Academy is also looking to promote equity among its members. In addition to making unconscious bias training mandatory for all Academy governors, branch executive committee members and staff, the organization will host a series of panels titled “Academy Dialogue: It Starts with Us,” focusing on race, ethnicity, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking.
“While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board,” says Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in a press release. “The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend — and continue to examine — our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.”
Earlier this week, it was announced that filmmaker Ava DuVernay (13th, A Wrinkle in Time) has been elected to the Academy’s board of governors for the first time.
