Academy invites 683 new members to improve diversity

After last year’s #OscarSoWhite campaign, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences promised to make membership changes in order to solve their diversity problem. It would seem that the Academy is living up to their pledge with the class of 2016.

683 invitations have been sent out to actors, directors, and other major players in the film industry. Among the names are numerous high-profile women and people or color. This includes the Wachowskis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Idris Elba, Tessa Thompson, America Ferrera, Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, and Ryan Coogler.

“This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today,” Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs wrote. “We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry.”

While this is an improvement, women still only make up 27% of the Academy on the whole. Meanwhile, people of color only make up 11%.

Provided by the Academy.

The Academy may have a long way to go, but let’s hope this is the first step towards a more diverse lineup at this year’s Oscars.