The Academy have just announced their list of 683 individuals to be invited to membership, and they cannot tell us enough how diverse it is, boosting people of color by 3% and women by 2% with a list spanning 59 countries and 283 new international members.
Some of the most notable names include actors Idris Elba, Emma Watson and Oscar winner Brie Larson, plus horror director James Wan, Tina Fey to the writers’ branch and executive James Murdoch (yes, James Rupert Murdoch).
In a statement, Academy president Ceryl Boone Isaacs did not directly note diversity, instead drawing attention to the Academy as a champion of the best filmmakers from around the world.
“This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today. 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.”
It certainly demonstrates the Academy’s willingness to act on its word following the nominations in January, which sparked a global debate on a lack of diversity in Hollywood. Isaacs immediately pledged a more diverse membership, and to her credit she has delivered with over 40% of this year’s inductees to be people of color.
The Road to 2017 