The Oscars have long since come under fire for their lack of diversity when it comes to the films and actors who get awarded the prestigious prizes, with movements like #OscarsSoWhite being created in 2015 and being used every year to point out the lack of representation at the ceremony.
This year, things will be changing.
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced new changes to the criteria of films that can be nominated for Best Picture.
They must meet two of four standards : on-screen representation, themes and narratives; creative leadership and project team; industry access and opportunities; and audience development.
“We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting, essential change in our industry,” the Academy said in a statement.
Actress Kirstie Alley was not happy with these changes.
“I’ve been in the motion picture Academy for 40 years. The Academy celebrates freedom of UNBRIDLED artistry expressed through movies. The new RULES to qualify for ‘best picture’ are dictatorial .. anti-artist..Hollywood you’re swinging so far left you’re bumping into your own ass,” Kirste tweeted .
Kirstie later, however, deleted the tweet in question.
“I deleted my first tweet about the new rules for best movie OSCARS because I feel it was a poor analogy & misrepresented my viewpoint,” Kirstie later clarified . “I am 100% behind diversity inclusion & tolerance. I’m opposed to MANDATED ARBITRARY percentages relating to hiring human beings in any business.”
Kirstie clarified that they are not against the concept but against diversity being an arbitrary percentage.
What do you think? Do you agree with Kirstie’s point that we should be striving for inclusion and diversity without being held to a percentage, or do you think this is the encouragement some filmmakers will need to branch out? Let us know in the comments!
