Oscar So White: Or a parody with “token” diversity

The Oscars last night was very unique. The academy awards took on a parody approach to the academy’s lacks diversity. Unfortunately I think this took away from the films that did win and the amount of diversity of international film winners that were there, especially Mad Max and The Revenant.

I myself am a firm believer the award should go to someone who earns it not because of race. Race shouldn’t be an issue. The award must go to someone who played their character the greatest and had an outstanding performance which changed people’s hearts and minds.

Many people have claimed the academy’s lack of diversity due to the lack of diversity of membership. Yes that should be changed but that isn’t going to fix the problem. The award should go to the best performance not just based on race and if people vote that way the voting may not change. Ira Deutchman suggests concrete changes in the system of the academy to influence diversity not just added members of certain race.

One issue arises with the publicity of movies which are diverse. These movies normally never make it to the eyes of people in the academy. In his list he touches on big points with the Oscars weird nomination system and making the need to have a person view all the films before voting is a genuine concern. These are genuine concerns but probably won’t change anytime soon.

Above all his most valid point is media portray in which the media picks the Oscar winners before the nominations are even up. This influences voter’s decisions. Although I hate the idea of having to separate movies based on the race of the individual who makes them, it may need to be done. Above all their needs to be more opportunity in film for all people not just a select few. Like on the Oscars last night; why not have a black astronaut in the Martian? There are plenty amazing actors which could play that role.

Although there isn’t a single answer to solving the problem something more than the president giving a speech during the awards must happen. She is right, the filmmakers themselves have to make a difference not just the academy.