It looks like public outrage and disappointment has officially struck a chord with the higher-ups over at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Since the official announcement of this year’s nominees for the upcoming Academy awards, also known as The Oscars, there has been an outcry of backlash to all parties involved due to the lack of diversity and people of color among the nominees for most categories, mainly the major honors. Sparking popular trending topics via Twitter, such as #OscarsSoWhite, and other means of awareness, this year’s nominations not only caused discussion among the general public, but also celebrities like Jada Pinkett Smith. Now, in a response to not only show that they’ve been listening, but have also been taking action, the Academy has officially released a statement that displays some of the changes that have been implemented for members in favor of diversity.
Beginning later this year, each new member’s voting status will last 10 years, and will be renewed if that new member has been active in motion pictures during that decade. In addition, members will receive lifetime voting rights after three ten-year terms; or if they have won or been nominated for an Academy Award. We will apply these same standards retroactively to current members. In other words, if a current member has not been active in the last 10 years they can still qualify by meeting the other criteria. Those who do not qualify for active status will be moved to emeritus status. Emeritus members do not pay dues but enjoy all the privileges of membership, except voting. This will not affect voting for this year’s Oscars.
The Academy will also take immediate action to increase diversity by adding new members who are not Governors to its executive and board committees where key decisions about membership and governance are made. This will allow new members an opportunity to become more active in Academy decision-making and help the organization identify and nurture future leaders.
There’s no arguing that these decisions were long overdue. Looking forward, it will be interesting to see just how much of an effect that these changes will have on future nominations. You can read the press release in its entirety, here.
[Photo Credit: Getty Images]
