The Academy has announced new measures in order to “develop and implement new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility”.
The next phase of the Academy’s equity and inclusion initiative – the Academy Aperture 2025, will implement new representation standards for the Oscars by the 31st of July which will first be seen in the 94th Academy Awards ceremony which will take place next year.
The Best Picture category will be permanently set at 10 nominees in efforts to include a diverse range of films rather than the number in recent years which has fluctuated between 5-10 nominations per year.
The new measure was approved on the 11th of June by board governors during a Zoom meeting who delayed their discussion by two days to avoid conflict with the funeral of George Floyd.
Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said that they are keen to ensure diversity is “celebrated”, in his statement which read, “While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board. The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend — and continue to examine — our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.”
David Rubin, the Academy president, added, “Through the dedication, focus and concerted effort of our board of governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed the goals of our A2020 initiative. But to truly meet this moment, we must recognise how much more needs to be done, and we must listen, learn, embrace the challenge and hold ourselves and our community accountable. Academy leadership and our board are committed to ensuring that we continue to weave equity and inclusion into the fabric of every Academy initiative, committee, program and event.”
These changes follow the #OscarsSoWhite campaign which has continuously criticised The Academy for the constant lack of diversity in their nominations.