#OscarsSoWhite… Again!

Another year of Oscar nominations dominating the entertainment news headlines, and another year where the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite trends on social media. Last year it was the lack of acknowledgement given to Ava Duvernay’s Selma which reignited the debate on the shameful disregard of black actors and filmmakers being credited for their work. This year, not a single nomination for anybody who isn’t white has brought about the same issues once more, as collectively the film-going public have decided that enough is enough.

For what it’s worth, there is no suggestion here that the Academy voters are meeting up and conspiring against other races, this issue comes down squarely, and simply, to the lack of diversity amongst the voters. It’s not racist for an elderly white male to feel more emotionally attached to a picture that speaks more directly to him, films aimed closer to his demographic; it’s subconscious, in the same way a young black man might feel more for a film such as Creed, as we naturally feel drawn to narratives and characters about people like ourselves.

But without the range of people voting for the awards, how will we ever see that change? It was revealed two years ago that 94% of voters are white, 76% are men, and they average at over 63 years of age. Is it any surprise to see films that speak more directly to them dominate the nominations? Not at all. So the changes need to come in the voters themselves.

Creed and Straight Outta Compton, films made by black filmmakers with black characters at the heart of their story have not been completely snubbed at this year’s event. Sylvester Stallone is up for Best Supporting Actor for the former, and the latter is competing for Best Screenplay. Though what do Stallone, and writers Andrea Berloff, Jonathan Herman, S. Leigh Savidge and Alan Wenkus all have in common? You guessed it, they’re all white. That may be pure coincidence, but it’s most certainly not helpful – particularly when you consider the sheer talent of filmmaker Ryan Coogler, or the performances of Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Straight Outta Compton‘s Jason Mitchell.

Of course the issue is intrinsically tied to the lack of good roles for black actors in Hollywood. Even had there been two or three non-white actors nominated, they would still be the minority in comparison – but then this is reflective of an industry that has not provided the same roles or opportunities for black performers. However it’s not just race that is up for debate here: age and gender are also huge components. As stated in the statistics above, the lack of female voters also means we’re seeing a lack of female-driven productions. Not a single one of the eight Best Picture nominees have been directed by a woman (which is reflected in the Best Director category) and only two have female lead roles. You only have to look at the stunning performances of the five Best Actress nominations to know that the talent most certainly exists (it’s even stronger than the Best Actor category this year) – so why aren’t there even more roles of this nature?

This lack of diversity, and sheer predictability of the Academy Awards is causing punters to lose faith in the ceremony. It’s even a qualm that extends to genres too. There’s such a thing as an “Oscar film” – in other words, The Danish Girl, which is emblematic of this notion. Though an underwhelming endeavour, it has four nominations, and you could have predicted that straight after seeing it, just because of the tone, the music and story – it lends itself so well to these awards. But that shouldn’t be the case either.

There’s this notion that a film must be profound to win big – but how about The Force Awakens? Why aren’t any Marvel films ever being considered, despite capturing the hearts and imaginations of millions? It’s like they are automatically disqualified for being an “action” movie – and while of course Mad Max: Fury Road does show it’s not a rule of thumb, it remains the exception. Even Foreign Language films are confined to their own bracket, as are animations, with so few crossovers between the varying awards. The Oscars currently feel like a celebration of white, Western cinema. Not of what the world can offer.

Thankfully, the Academy have spoken, as President Cheryl Boone Isaacs has issued a statement declaring the need for more inclusion and diversity amongst those voting. Though acknowledgement is welcomed, it’s too late for that – this was a palpable issue last year, why wait this long to act? The Academy should be proactive not reactive. Changes need to be made, and they need to be made right away. Cinema, as an art-form, is a reflection of life, so please, let those voting be the same.