As part of its new inclusion standards in its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued new diversity guidelines. To qualify for a Best Picture nod, a film must now meet two of the following four standards: On-screen Representation, Themes and Narratives, Creative Leadership and Project Teams, Industry Access and Opportunities, and Audience Development. More specifically, films must have at least one of the lead actors or major supporting actors represent an underrepresented racial group, with at least 30 percent of all actors in minor roles from underrepresented groups, People explains.
In the past, the Academy has been criticized for a lack of diversity among its nominees. In 2015, when all 20 of the Academy's nominations were for white actors, it sparked the infamous "Oscars So White" hashtag.
Not all actors were thrilled with the new guidelines, particularly former "Cheers" actress Kirstie Alley. She shamed the Academy on Twitter for its new "dictatorial" rules.
I’ve been in the motion picture Academy for 40 years. The Academy celebrates freedom of UNBRIDLED artistry expressed through movies. The new RULES to qualify for “best picture” are dictatorial .. anti-artist..Hollywood you’re swinging so far left you’re bumping into your own ass
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) September 9, 2020
The new requirements will go into effect for the 96th Oscars in 2024.
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