MAKE FILM REVIEWING INCLUSIVE, SAYS BRIE
Brie Larson says it is time voices of industry minorities were heard
Brie Larson has called for inclusion of minorities and other underrepresented sections in media and entertainment. The Oscar winner, who was honoured with the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film, dedicated her acceptance speech to discuss a new study investigating inclusion among film reviewers, entitled Critic’s Choice, published by USC Annenberg.
“Of the 100 highestgrossing movies in 2017, less than a quarter of the critics were white women, less than ten per cent were underrepresented men, and only 2.5 per cent were women of colour,” Larson said. She went on to add — and this has attracted both, censure and praise — that she does not want white people coming from a position of privilege offering demeaning criticism for a pro-diversity film as The Wrinkle in Time.
“I want to hear what a woman of colour, a biracial woman has to say about the film. I want to hear what teenagers think about the film,” said Larson.“If you make a movie that is a love letter to women of colour, there is a chance that a woman of colour does not have access to review and critique your film. Do not say the talent is not there, because it is,” she said.
The actor, 29, kept asking the audience throughout her speech, “Am I saying I hate white dudes?” and answering, “No, I’m not”. Larson said there is a burning need to have a more inclusive base of reporters and journalists as “reviews change lives” and impact the films that are considered for awards season.
“Please make sure that these invites and credentials find their way to more under-represented journalists and critics,” she added.
The actor also revealed plans to roll out an opt-in program that will provide studios with access to underrepresented journalists and critics. She added that the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival have pledged 20% of their credentials for minorities to reflect a more inclusive, holistic, America.