Amid concerns about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Cheryl Boone Isaacs, promised that there’s a going to be a change this year.
In 2016, the Oscars were criticised for featuring only white actors and actresses in the top four categories and the exclusion of African American talents triggered the social media hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.
“The issue of inclusion is constantly being discussed and the situation is being rectified. The more that happens, the more it will become normal and I am happy to be involved in some way,” said Isaacs at a session during the 13th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival.
Isaacs is the first African American to hold the position of president of the Academy, known for its Oscars. She added that she is working at diversifying and that every board member is on the same page.
“I am not the only one who feels that way. There are so many new members who feel this way. There’s going to be a change this year and it’s picking up steam,” said Isaacs.
For years, the process of how the Oscar nominations work and who can join as members has been shrouded in mystery. But Isaacs claims that they are always looking our for new voices.
Asked if the Academy is instrumental in changing the way minorities are represented in Hollywood movies, she said they are involved in an indirect way.
“There can be Muslims who are good and bad guys. The same goes with African Americans and Latinos. We can’t all be drug dealers, pimps and whores. We can also be the President of the United States. Thank you Morgan Freeman and Dennis Haysbert,” said Isaacs.
