The Evolution of Oscars Diversity Criteria: A Call for Inclusive Recognition
Introduction
The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, have faced significant scrutiny in recent years for their lack of diversity both in nominations and in the films they celebrate. This article explores the current trend towards implementing diversity requirements for awards eligibility and highlights the historical context that led to this shift.
The Catch-22 of Oscar Age and Diversity
The Oscar So White controversy surrounding the 2015 and 2016 ceremonies brought to light a persistent issue in the film industry: the underrepresentation of People of Color (PoC) and underrepresentation of non-White narratives. The controversy highlighted a double standard, where despite a significant percentage of the U.S. population being PoC, the Oscars, predominantly celebrating films about PoC, were often written or directed by non-PoC individuals.
Addressing Gender Discrimination in Oscars
In addition to racial disparities, the gender gap in the Oscars has also been a point of contention. Film producers, the behind-the-scenes individuals who often decide which films are nominated for best picture, have been historically underrepresented. Only 17 of 844 Best Picture nominees from 1929 to 2023 are women, reflecting a staggering 2% female representation. This trend is not exclusive to best picture nominations but extends to non-actor categories as well. From 2018 to 2023, the percentage of women nominees increased from 23% to 32%, only to dip back to 27% in 2022 and 2023.
Improving Representation for People of Color
Despite the strides made over the years, People of Color have also been underrepresented both as nominees and winners. Only 6 of the 844 Best Picture nominees were People of Color from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. The impact of this underrepresentation is even more pronounced in niche categories. Only 6 out of 24 People of Color have been nominated in the Best Animated Feature category, a category that started in 2002 and celebrates films from 2001 onwards. The situation is similar in the Best Documentary Feature category, where People of Color have received 12 out of the nominations. In acting categories, about 11 of the nominations have gone to PoC.
Moving Forward with Diversity Requirements
Recognizing the historical and ongoing disparities, the Academy is considering implementing diversity requirements for awards eligibility. This move is not without justification; the Oscars have been criticized for nominating films that either center on non-Latino White People or portray People of Color from a White perspective. These narratives, while important, do not fully represent the diverse audience of the Academy.
Conclusion
The Oscars stand at a pivotal moment, with the possibility of significant changes to their nomination practices to ensure more inclusive and representative recognition. As the film industry continues to diversify, so too must the awards that celebrate it. The implementation of diversity requirements will be a step forward in recognizing and valuing a wide range of narratives and voices.