Oscars Answers ‘So White’ Controversy with 819 New Diverse Academy Members

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced their 2020 list of newest members and gave a long-awaited answer to their issues with diversity.

Since 2016, the Oscars have been called out by actors, directors, producers, and more industry insiders on how low their standards have been when it comes to diversity on their panels. When the Academy first announced their nominees, people were curious to see how many white actors and actresses were nominated in the top categories, as opposed to actors of color. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite sparked a much-needed conversation of how the Academy needs to change its operations behind the scenes and include more artists of color.

In 2016, the Academy created its A2020 Initiative to research ways for their board to become more inclusive for underrepresented groups. “Through dedicated and intentional work by the Board of Governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed both these goals,” the organization stated.

With that being said, the 2020 Film Academy has included 819 new members, with 45% of the new members being female, and 36% from minority groups. International members are 49% from 68 countries.

Academy president David Rubin replied in a statement, “The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now.”

Many of the invited academy members from minority groups were actors, casting directors, directors, musicians, and producers. International members were represented by actors, actresses, directors, producers, writers, makeup and hairstylists, film editors, documentary filmmakers, short films and feature animation, visual effects, cinematographers, and musicians.

Members include beloved actors of color and black actors such as Zendaya Coleman, Awkwafina, Zazie Beetz, Cynthia Erivo, Niecy Nash, and John David Washington. In a stunning turn of events, the entire cast of Parasite has been added as members: Choi Woo-Shik, Jang Hye-Jin, Jo Yeo-Jeong, Lee Jung-Eun & Park So-Dam. Director Bong Joon-ho has been an Academy member since 2015.

Movie fans are especially enthusiastic about this new change for the industry.

As for the future of the Academy, the organization already has plans to expand inclusion and representation in the film industry. Academy CEO Dawn Hudson stated, “We are committed to staying the course. I cannot give enough thanks to all our members and staff who worked on the A2020 initiative and to our head of Member Relations and Awards, Lorenza Muñoz, for her leadership and passion in guiding us through to this point and helping to set the path going forward. We look forward to continuing to foster and Academy that reflects the world around us in our membership, our programs, our new museum, and in our awards.”

It’s amazing to see the Academy finally taking steps to be more inclusive and diverse for a better film and entertainment industry.

See the full list of 2020 Invitees at Variety.