The Oscars Add New ‘Best Picture’ Criteria To Encourage More Representation
Image via Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
Back in 2016, the Academy Awards faced backlash for failing to include minority actors, which spurred the #OscarsSoWhite movement among internet users.
Now, the academy has introduced a new set of eligibility requirements for the Best Picture award in hopes of boosting inclusivity in the film industry.
In its announcement, it explained that the latest addition of rules was made “to encourage equitable representation on and off-screen in order to better reflect the diversity of the movie-going audience.”
The new criteria listed out filling a number of spots with people from underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
The four new conditions require diversity representation among actors and their given roles, production crew, marketing team, paid apprenticeships, and training opportunities.
These requirements will not be applicable for films vying for the Best Picture award at the 2021 ceremony. However, nominations made from 2021 will require an Academy Inclusion Standards form.
The new measures will be applied to films made from 2024 onwards, and nominations will only be considered when films meet two of the four new standards for the Oscars in 2025 and beyond.
“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,” Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a joint statement.
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
[via BBC, cover image via Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com]
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