In 2015, April Reign, the executive editor of Broadway Black and former lawyer, took to Twitter and launched the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite to draw attention to the lack of diversity in the awards ceremony, not only in terms of the representation of Black people but all minorities. Reign probably did not imagine the extent to which the movement would grow and the significant changes that would occur.
According to director Ava Duvernay, who directed “Selma,” the hashtag was a catalyst for a conversation about what had been a decades-long absence of diversity and inclusion.”
The Academy, which previously had a membership that was 91% male and 76% white, began to rethink its own structure. The movement has been a driving force in transforming the way Hollywood views inclusion in all aspects of film production.
The hashtag remains relevant and is encouraging studios to consider the importance of diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. This change in perspective can be seen as the beginning of a significant change in the entertainment industry.
During the 2023 Oscars ceremony, we watched the actress Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, the first non-white winner since Halle Berry in 2001. Yeoh declared that the award was a beacon of hope and possibility for all boys and girls who look like her and women of any age.
This inclusion has become an increasingly important demand in the industry and is causing a significant change in the billion-dollar film market. Isabela Levin, who works for the renowned Skydance production company responsible for Hollywood blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, says it all starts with opportunity.
“If the market provides more space for protagonists of different backgrounds and perspectives, we will have more diversity being recognized and valued. The real difficulty lies in breaking the inertia of only granting opportunities to already established names and opening up to new talents that can take a production to an exceptional level.”
Streaming platforms like Netflix have played a crucial role in this change. With their independent productions, directors, and stories that otherwise would not have a chance to reach a broad audience, are making history. This openness has allowed a wide diversity of perspectives and voices, breaking with the monotony of conventional productions, and bringing new experiences to viewers.
With a wide range of content ranging from Korean dramas to Spanish comedies, the audience has the opportunity to learn more about other cultures and realities that were often inaccessible. This access to new universes has expanded our horizons and enriched our understanding of the world.
The pandemic has brought about questions and pushed the industry to undergo changes that were only beginning to be glimpsed with the growth of streaming. According to data from UCLA in the 2021 Hollywood Diversity Report, eight of the top ten highest-grossing films had at least 30% non-white actors in their main casts.
The next few years will be decisive in evaluating whether this industry is truly committed to these changes.
In an increasingly diverse world, representation is crucial for us to feel included and valued. Diversity is no longer an option but an essential necessity for the audiovisual industry. It is necessary to adopt a new mentality and see the importance of more authentic and true-to-life characters that reflect the diversity of our society. Only then can we move towards a more inclusive and representative industry.
BEATRIZ DIAS
Graphic Designer, Photographer
Beatrizgcostadias@gmail.com