Hi, everyone! Today, I will be discussing equality as it relates to a talent and content-based industry: professional filmmaking, or more specifically, that awards show we all fiercely anticipate and watch in late February: the Oscars.
The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, have long been a bright, golden beacon of elitism and upper-class suave. Stars dressed in fine suits and beautiful gowns will have graced the red carpet 91 times since the awards ceremony’s inception in 1929 following this year’s televised show.
In recent years, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been criticized for the lack of diversity in its voting body. Hollywood itself has long been an exclusive, idealistic realm where dreams can be realized; however, it does indeed appear that certain measures have rendered the filmmaking (and film-awarding/celebrating) industry unnecessarily exclusive.
How might one quantify diversity? The importance of possessing a variety of races and ethnicities in an industry or a workplace is significant. The ability of a company to contain a multitude of backgrounds and viewpoints can aid its functionality and its adaptability to the real world. In my view, discrimination is unacceptable on a personal basis. Civil rights are necessary and beneficial, not just to those whom they protect, but to society as a whole. Thus, in terms of acceptance of others, I believe “the more the merrier” is the best manner in which to quantify diversity, provided the individuals of color being considered for a given post are as or similarly qualified as their white counterparts.
However, I do believe that talent and content must reign supreme in cinema. The best films must be honored, and I believe simply nominating a film because of the demographics it represents is detrimental to the industry. Yes, the sharing of new perspectives is critical to audience education and engagement, but the best must still emerge victorious. The narrative that Hollywood is selling is that excellent, minority-produced films are not being recognized. In many cases, this is true. Fantastic directors such as Ryan Coogler (Creed; Black Panther) and Barry Jenkins (Moonlight; If Beale Street Could Talk) are clearly among the most skilled in their profession. While I do believe that everyone’s story deserves to be told, I find that the notion that a particular film corresponds to the Academy’s ideals specifically because of its racial themes is only half-credible.
Filmmaking is innately a craft, not merely a subject matter. If a filmmaker can hone his or her craft and address a controversial topic simultaneously, then his ethos is undeniable. Lighting, framing, shot selection, set design, and location selection – coupled with thematic focus – are the most crucial, craft-based aspects of the industry.
This Refinery29 article states that the number of minority and female filmmakers invited to be adjudicators in the aforementioned Academy has increased dramatically over the past few years. Unfortunately, women still only represent 28% of total Academy members, according to the same article. By the same token, people of color only represent eight percent of the Academy’s membership. What, one might wonder? has caused this 91-year power imbalance?
Let’s take this opportunity to reminisce on some Hollywood classics. Singin’ In the Rain (1952) and Gone with the Wind (1939) for example, virtually did not feature any diversity. Yet, Gene Kelly’s timeless hit is one of the few films with a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. One of the only African-American or minority characters in Hollywood’s “golden age,” if you will, was Dooley Wilson’s “As Time Goes By” piano player, Sam, in Casablanca (1942). Otherwise, Hollywood’s early years were predominantly white.
A great movie. But what about diversity?
Thus, to rephrase, I do not believe that members of the Academy, both young and old, must feel obliged to incorporate diversity into their Oscar selections simply to alter the status quo. Change, I believe, must be earned. If the talent is there, then yes, I am all for greater inclusion. One aspect of the Academy’s new philosophy with which I agree is its pursuit of a platform for all filmmakers to pursue (produce groundbreaking films) and achieve (be recognized, whether in nomination or award) their dreams – regardless of race or ethnicity.
If one puts in the effort, he or she is bound for success. As a young journalist and aspiring filmmaker – in both the documentary and fictional genre – this is a perspective with which I identify. However, I will acknowledge that my hardworking mindset might present a bias since, as a French-American, white man, I cannot hope to comprehend the struggles of my colored friends and coworkers.
Ultimately, the Oscars are still largely white. As this Vanity Fair article states, the Academy is filtering out its older members and bringing in the new to instill change. In the end, the Academy’s ability to effectively encompass all filmmaking perspectives is essential to the growth of the filmmaking industry. If Hollywood hopes to appeal to the general public, it must stress that all filmmakers and moviegoers are welcome – regardless of race, class, or ethnicity.
However, talent must still reign supreme and remain in the driver’s seat, with theme right beside it in the passenger’s seat to provide direction.
Image Credit
http://venturestrategic.com/articles/at-the-oscars/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045152/
*Word Count: 860
I found your post to be very interesting and like how you addressed both sides of the issue. I do believe that the best films should be credited. There is always more room for diversity in movies. There has been great improvement over the few years with this issue, but there is always room for more improvement (especially in cases where the movie’s plot includes a diverse cast, but the casting is predominately white).
I really enjoyed the way you approached this, specifically your mention of the necessity to allow talent to remain the staple of the Oscars, rather than the need for diversity. I agree completely when you say that talent should ultimately reign supreme, because that’s what the awards are all about! I also like that you addressed both sides of the controversy, rather than just stating your opinion and dismissing the other. I can’t wait to read more about your opinion on such a controversial topic!
I think it makes perfect sense why the academy is so white and so male — to be a member, one must be an well-established member of the film industry, and as you mention, said industry was nearly diversity-free until fairly recently. At this point, the academy is not reflective of the people who are now making and acting in movies. However, I completely agree with your idea that talent should still remain supreme; movies should not be nominated just to fill some sort of diversity quota, just as great movies should not be ignored just because they involve women or people of color. Hopefully, as the older members of the academy are filtered out, change will come.