According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, films that want to compete for an Oscar in the Best Picture category must meet certain criteria. In this regard, the Academy has established four new “standards” to improve representation and inclusion in the film industry.
By 2025, only films that meet at least 2 of these standards will be eligible for the award.
In the future, Oscar-nominated feeds should feature women, racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ + and people with disabilities. These groups must also be represented at all stages of the production of the film.
Films must comply with at least two of four criteria. These include:
- On-screen performance and storylines: «at least one of the leading or important supporting actors must be members of an under-represented [on-screen] racial or ethnic group.»
- Creative leadership positions, department heads and team composition
- Paid tuition and internship
- Promotion from advertising and marketing to distribution
These requirements will come into force in 2025. In 2022 and 2023, nominees will also have to submit a confidential form of “standards of inclusiveness”.
The film academy's announcement follows a concerted effort to expand its membership to include more women and ethnic communities. An additional 819 new members were invited to the group in June, 45% of whom were women and 36% were ethnic minorities.
