DIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS SET FOR OSCAR BEST PICTURE ELIGIBILITY

The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences has set strict diversity requirements for movies competing for the Best Picture category.

The changes will come into effect at the 2024 Academy Awards.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Academy issued an expansive list of standards, detailing the many ways films can qualify under the new regulations meant to spur increased inclusion both on and off screen.

Films will be required to meet the standards of at least two of the four broad categories. The standards set out by the Academy include that at least one main actor from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group has to be included, at least 30% of minor actors from underrepresented groups should be casted; and stories should be told that focuses on such groups.

In 2015 the #OscarsSoWhite campaign put the spotlight on the exclusion of actors and those working behind the scenes that are people of colour, from the LGBT community, or disabled people.

The Guardian reports that the inclusion standards were developed by a taskforce led by academy governors, DeVon Franklin and Jim Gianopulos, and in consultation with the Producers Guild of America. They took into account diversity standards used by the British Film Institute and the British Academy of Film and Television Awards.

The date for the 2021 Oscars has been moved to 25 April – two months later than it usually takes place. This is due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Next year’s awards will also include pictures that were released on live stream platforms instead of traditional theatres.

Watch The Lazy Gamer’s video below for his take on the new diversity requirements.

Image credits: Deadline and Axios