With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Academy President Responds To Backlash Over Oscar Nominations
Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced the nominees for the 87th Academy Awards in Beverly Hills on Thursday. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
()
After much controversy was stirred over the lack of diversity in this year's Oscar nominations, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences spoke out in response to the backlash and said the organization is making strides.Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the first black president of the AMPAS, said on Friday night that the Academy was "committed to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion" and that the mostly white and male slate of nominations would push her to ensure that they remained focused on the goal of being more inclusive. This year's Oscar nominations featured the first all-white roster of acting nominees since 1998, and many felt that Best Picture nominee Selma's general lack of nominations was among many snubs that reflected a racial bias among the almost entirely-white voting block. Boone Isaacs, though, said that audiences shouldn't feel that way about Selma's near shutout. "It's nominated for the Oscar for best picture. It's an award that showcases the talent of everyone involved in the production of the movie," she told the AP.
Many took to social media after the nominations were announced with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite to voice their displeasure.
Boone Isaacs felt that despite the nominations, the Academy was making the most progress it had in its history. "In the last two years, we've made greater strides than we ever have in the past toward becoming a more diverse and inclusive organization through admitting new members and more inclusive classes of members."
"Personally, I would love to see and look forward to see a greater cultural diversity among all our nominees in all of our categories," she said. "It matters that we pay attention to the diversity of voice and opinion and experience, and that it doesn't slide, it doesn't anywhere except for forward."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist