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.
Want A Best Picture Oscar? Be Ready To Meet These New Diversity Rules
FILE: Oscar statuettes backstage during the 92nd Annual Academy Awards on February 9, 2020 (Richard Harbaugh /Handout/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)
()
For years, activists have called on Hollywood to try to do better when it comes to diversity. Now, the Oscars say if studios don’t, they won’t be invited to their awards show.
Multiple studies show that studios consistently fail to hire women and people of color both in front of and behind the camera. It’s what created the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. In this year’s ceremony, only one non-white performer, “Harriet’s” Cynthia Erivo, was among the 20 actors nominated for lead or supporting roles.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences doesn’t decide who gets jobs, but it does write the rules for who can compete for an Oscar. And starting in 2024’s show, any film eligible for best picture must meet several criteria for inclusion and diversity.
Change starts now. We've announced new representation and inclusion standards for Best Picture eligibility, beginning with the 96th #Oscars. Read more here: https://t.co/qdxtlZIVKb pic.twitter.com/hR6c2jb5LM
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) September 9, 2020
Support for LAist comes from
Specifically, the academy said in a radical rule change, a movie must pass at least two of four tests to qualify for the top trophy.
Those standards include having at least one lead or supporting actor come from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group or have an ensemble that’s at least 30% diverse. Another test is that a movie must have multiple department heads who are not white men.
The academy also will reward productions that have internship, training and marketing initiatives aimed at women and people of color.
Animated, foreign language and documentary films that want to compete for best picture also must meet the new rules.
A statement released by Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said:
“The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them. The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality. We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting, essential change in our industry.”
Support for LAist comes from
MORE ON CHANGES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
- LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST: Hollywood, the Sequel
- Academy Makes Changes Aimed At Making Oscar Less White (LAist)
- Read the new eligibility requirements (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
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
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist