After the #OscarsSoWhite controversy concerning the lack of Oscar nominations for non-white actors for the second year in a row, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced several changes to diversify its ranks.
The New York Times reports that the Academy’s governing board held an emergency meeting on Thursday night to adopt these new rules. They include a requirement to review the voting status of new and current members every 10 years. As a result, voting status may be revoked for someone who hasn’t been involved in the film industry for a decade. The aim of these changes is to make the Academy’s membership younger and more diverse, specifically to double the number of female and minority members by 2020.
The governing board tabled consideration of changes to Oscar ballot procedures, however.
The most entertaining (or infuriating) part of these controversies is when news outlets interview current Academy members who are resistant to any change within this organization. The one who the New York Times tracked down takes issue with the new rules: “The notion of having my academy vote taken away from me because of age, and inactivity in the industry, is outrageous,” he says.
Also, he wants you to know that he voted for Straight Outta Compton to get a nomination.
(via New York Times)
