The Academy Awards or ‘Oscars’, as they are popularly known, have been the pinnacle of global cinematic recognition since 1929. However, over the recent years, the prestigious award ceremony has come under scrutiny for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. The OscarsSoWhite controversy in 2015 shone a harsh spotlight on the Academy’s voting body and selection process, which was seen to favor white, male nominees.
The call for greater diversity and inclusion has resulted in some significant changes. In 2020, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a new set of inclusion standards for Best Picture nominees, beginning in 2024. This landmark decision signals a tangible commitment towards ensuring that the Oscars are truly representative of the global audience they serve.
So, what do these new standards entail? They require that movies meet at least two of the four new standards, addressing On-Screen Representation, Creative Leadership and Project Team, Industry Access and Opportunities, and Audience Development.
These standards aim to promote diversity and representation in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+, and people with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This progressive shift was reflected in the 93rd Academy Awards held in April 2021. For the first time in Oscar history, almost half of the acting nominees were people of color. Moreover, two women were nominated for Best Director, with Chloé Zhao winning for “Nomadland”, becoming the first woman of color and second woman overall to win this award.
While these milestones are worth celebrating, they also highlight the extent of systemic inequality that has persisted in the Hollywood film industry. The Academy’s efforts to rectify this are laudable but the implementation of these changes will be the true test of their commitment.
As we move towards a more diverse and inclusive Oscars, audiences can look forward to a broader spectrum of stories being told, leading to a richer cinematic experience. The Oscars aren’t just about recognizing the best in filmmaking, they’re about celebrating the power of cinema to reflect the world we live in, in all its diversity.
In conclusion, the Academy Awards are charting a new course. It’s an exciting era, promising a celebration of cinema that truly reflects our diverse and vibrant world. The stage is set for a more inclusive and representative Oscars, and audiences worldwide are eager to see this change unfold.