Oscars: Film Academy Announces New Plans to Increase Diversity, Expands Best Picture Category

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced “Academy Aperture 2025,” the latest efforts to increase diversity in the film community, including plans for a more inclusive Oscar race.

“While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. “The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend—and continue to examine—our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.”

To further more diverse representation at the Oscars, the Academy and the Producers Guild of America (PGA), are creating a task force of industry leaders “to develop and implement new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility by July 31, 2020.

Also, beginning with the 94th Academy Awards for 2021 films, the best picture category will be set at 10 nominees, rather than changing the number each year.

“Through the dedication, focus, and concerted effort of our Board of Governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed the goals of our A2020 initiative. But to truly meet this moment, we must recognize how much more needs to be done, and we must listen, learn, embrace the challenge, and hold ourselves and our community accountable,” Academy President David Rubin said. “Academy leadership and our Board are committed to ensuring that we continue to weave equity and inclusion into the fabric of every Academy initiative, committee, program and event.”

The Board of Governors term limits will now be two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. Previously, the limit was three consecutive three-year terms, with a one-year hiatus, and no lifetime maximum.

“The Academy will also implement a quarterly viewing process through the Academy Screening Room, the streaming site for Academy members, also starting with the 94th Academy Awards,” the Academy said in a press release on Friday morning. “By making it possible for members to view films released year-round, the Academy will broaden each film’s exposure, level the playing field, and ensure all eligible films can be seen by voting members.”

“Academy Dialogue: It Starts With Us,” a series of panels for members and the public about race issues and filmmaking will include a conversation hosted by governor Whoopi Goldberg.