No actors of color were nominated (again).
Inside the fight to fix the Academy.
The Oscars made big news last week, but not the way they intended.
Credit: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
Then it got serious.
… Im not going, my wifes not going.
Everyone else can do what they want to do.]
Rock began facing pressure to resign as host in protest.
Each day, more high-profile figures are lending their voices to the chorus calling for change.
For that to happen again this year is unforgivable.
And thats where the problem lies.
For many, progress cant come soon enough.
If we keep adding women and minorities at the rate we do, how long will it take?
asks one actress Academy member.
We cant wait that long.
So how does the Academy fix its broken system?
DIVERSIFY MEMBERSHIP
Should the Academy add 1,000 new members?
Should it admit only people of color for the next five years?
I do think [this] has to do with recruitment, says one Academy governor.
I dont think everyone is aware of whos out there making good movies, minority or not.
REEXAMINE VOTING
To determine the Best Picture nominees, members select five films in order of preference.
That voting is weighted, meaning that first-place votes matter more than third-place ones.
Some believeComptonreceived votes, just not enough in first or second place.
Others speculate that voters never watched the N.W.A biopic.
I think the older members didnt think it was a movie for them, says one member.
Adds another: I havent seen every movie.
Who has that kind of time?
Especially when youve got to watchMaking a Murderer.
CONSIDER OUSTERS
Should someone be an active member of the Academy if he hasnt worked in 25 years?
Perhaps its time to allow only those people currently working, or mentoring young talent, to vote.
It might help prevent conventional sensibilities from becoming entrenched.
Change is coming, says an Academy member.
Itll probably get more messy before it gets better … but thats fine.
I cant imagine a better host, says one insider.
