Following criticism that this year's Academy Awards lacks diversity, Isaacs says that the Academy is 'committed to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion.'
- Jan 17, 2015
AceShowbiz - Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has broken silence regarding criticism over this year's Academy Awards nominations which feature no person of color in acting categories. Isaacs, who happens to be an African-American, spoke of the topic in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday, January 16, one day after the nominees were announced.
In the interview, Isaacs explained that the Academy is "committed to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion." She continued, "In the last two years, we've made greater strides than we ever have in the past toward becoming a more diverse and inclusive organization through admitting new members and more inclusive classes of members. And, personally, I would love to see and look forward to see a greater cultural diversity among all our nominees in all of our categories."
Following the Thursday announcement, many people took to social media to voice their opinions regarding the nominees. Using the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, moviegoers said "Selma" was snubbed after its lead star David Oyelowo was not included into Best Actor nominees and director Ava DuVernay was not among contenders for Best Director.
Addressing people's criticism, Isaacs explained that the selection of nominees was "a peer-to-peer process." "Selma", which depicts the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for voting rights, is nominated in two categories, Best Picture and Best Original Song for "Glory" by Common and John Legend.
"What is important not to lose sight of is that 'Selma', which is a fantastic motion picture, was nominated for best picture this year, and the best picture category is voted on by the entire membership of around 7,000 people," she added. "It's nominated for the Oscar for best picture. It's an award that showcases the talent of everyone involved in the production of the movie 'Selma'."
