Since Broadway Black’s executive editor and former lawyer, April Reign, took to Twitter in 2015 to launch the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, many things have changed. Her goal was to draw attention to the lack of diversity in the awards, not only regarding the representation of Black individuals but of all minorities.
Reign likely did not foresee the magnitude the movement would achieve and the significant changes that would occur. According to Ava Duvernay, director of “Selma,” the hashtag was a catalyst for a conversation about what had truly been a decades-long absence of diversity and inclusion.
The Academy, which previously had a membership body 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 film production.
The hashtag remains relevant and encourages 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 world.
During the 2023 Oscar ceremony, we witnessed actress Michelle Yeoh become the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress statuette in that category, and the first non-white winner since Halle Berry in 2001. Yeoh stated that the award was a beacon of hope and possibilities for all the boys and girls who look like her and women of any age.
This inclusion has increasingly become a demand in the industry, provoking a significant change in the billion-dollar film market.
The carioca Isabela Levin, who works at the renowned production company Skydance, responsible for major Hollywood hits like Top Gun: Maverick, asserts that everything 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 elevate a production to an exceptional level.”
Streaming platforms, such as Netflix, have played a fundamental 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 broad diversity of perspectives and voices, breaking the monotony of conventional productions and bringing new experiences to viewers.
With a wide range of content that spans from Korean series 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 broadened 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 presented in the 2021 Hollywood Diversity Report, eight of the ten highest-grossing films featured at least 30% non-white actors in their main casts. The coming years will be crucial in assessing whether this industry is truly committed to these changes.
In an increasingly plural 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 recognize 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, TV Presenter, and Photographer
Beatrizgcostadias@gmail.com