It seems like clockwork in the modern day: a new awards show, a new controversy regarding race relations. It’s easy to become jaded to the controversy; phrases such as, “maybe it’s not intentional,” “make your own show,” and the ever-popular “just stop complaining” are being trotted out as excuses just like they are every year. Unfortunately, these complaints ring hollow for those of us who are really sick of these issues and the activists who bring them to light.
To understand the controversy, one needs to understand the Oscar voting process and how the Academy really is prejudiced, not just against race or gender but against change in general. As it stands, the Academy is composed of 5,765 active voters. Of those voters, an overwhelming 94% are Caucasian. The remaining 6% of the Academy is split up into 2% black, < 2% Latino, and the remaining ~2% are other ethnicities. This is a shocking disconnect between the American public, which is only 63% white. African Americans and Latinos represent 12% and 16% respectively. The Oscar’s system is based on a bygone era of Hollywood, where many of the those who worked in the industry were Caucasian. Now minorities have made massive contributions to the industry, especially during this past year, which has led to added hopes for recognition.
When the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag first appeared last year, most minority hopes hinged on one movie, Selma, which ended up only taking home one Oscar for Best Original Song. While arguments could be made that there simply weren’t as many major minority rolls that year, the same excuses can’t be made this year. From Creed, to Straight Outta Compton, to Concussion, many African Americans gave critically acclaimed performances and directed critically acclaimed films, but none of them were nominated. It’s miraculous, actually, how many of those films captured the popular conscious when they were released, whereas many of the films actually nominated weren’t as influential or well known.
While the complaints can get tiresome to some, it really is starting to appear odd to people. This is why the social movement was born. It has reached a point where the Academy has responded to the complaints and will be changing the way Academy membership is handled. Many of the older members of the Academy will lose their membership due to being inactive in the industry, and the life membership policy will be effectively eliminated. That alone will make a massive difference in how performances and films are nominated.
It’s currently too late for this year’s award show to be changed, and I’m sure Oscar host Chris Rock will make more than one jab at being the only minority to grace the stage this year, but hopefully the changes put in place will lead to a shift in the award season outlook for the coming years.