Film academy diversifies its voting ranks
Cynthia Erivo, John David Washington, Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Awkwafina are among the 819 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The organization that puts on the Oscars announced the new invitees Tuesday. If they accept, which most do, those in the new class will have voting privileges at this year’s Oscars.
The massive 2020 list includes a diverse swath of people from all sectors of the industry, from acting to publicity to costume design.
The Academy said that 49 per cent of the new invitees are international and represent some 68 countries. Academy president David Rubin said that the organization is “delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travellers in the motion picture arts and sciences.”
Diversifying its ranks continues to be a main focus for the film academy, which in 2016 committed to doubling its female and minority membership by 2020. It has since surpassed those goals and continues to infuse membership classes with both women and people from under-represented communities. Women make up 45 per cent of the 2020 class and people of colour comprise 36 per cent of the total of invitees this year.
The academy has also announced a new five-year plan that includes implementing inclusion standards for nominees.
This will also be the first year that talent agent members will be able to vote on the awards. The 93rd Academy Awards are set to take place on April 25.