In 2015, April Reign, the executive editor of Broadway Black and a former lawyer, took to Twitter and launched the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite to draw attention to the lack of diversity at the awards ceremony, not just in terms of representation of Black people but of all minorities. Reign likely did not foresee 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 how Hollywood views inclusion in all aspects of filmmaking.
The hashtag remains relevant and is encouraging studios to consider the importance of diversity, both in front of and behind the cameras. This shift in perspective can be seen as the beginning of a significant change in the entertainment industry.
During the 2023 Oscar ceremony, we watched actress Michelle Yeoh become the first Asian woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress, the first non-white winner since Halle Berry in 2001. Yeoh stated that the award was a beacon of hope and possibility for all the 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 shift in the billion-dollar film market. Isabela Levin, who works for the renowned production company Skydance, responsible for Hollywood blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, says it all starts with opportunity.
“If the market provides more space for protagonists from different backgrounds and perspectives, we will have more diversity being recognized and valued. The real challenge lies in breaking the inertia of granting opportunities only 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 wide audience, they are making history. This openness has allowed for a wide diversity of perspectives and voices, breaking away from the monotony of conventional productions and bringing new experiences to viewers.
With a wide range of content ranging from Korean dramas to Spanish comedies, audiences have 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 brought questions and propelled 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 ten highest-grossing films had at least 30% non-white actors in their main casts.
The coming years will be crucial to assess 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 mindset 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