The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced that it will only nominate films that meet a certain diversity threshold for two major award categories.
The new BFI Diversity Standards will apply to the categories of “outstanding British film” and “outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer” starting in 2019.
The new diversity mandate requires film productions to show that they have worked to increase the inclusion of groups such as women, ethnic minorities, the disabled both on-screen and behind-the-scenes.
Stateside, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have faced criticisms over the years for what some have called its lackluster approach to promoting diversity in Hollywood. In the wake of BAFTA’s move, should the Oscars consider something similar?
Guest:
Dominic Patten, Senior editor at the news and entertainment site, Deadline; he tweets @DeadlineDominic