After releasing the nominees for this years Oscars, the Academy Awards has come under heavy fire for its lack of diversity among the nominees. Early indications are that they intend to do something about it.
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy, and a woman of not-any-of-the-50-shades-of-gray, told reporters. We are aware of the message our awards show sends to society, in particular to children, and we intend to straighten this out in the future. She added, We want to avoid any confusion.
Rev. Al Sharpton, activist and host of MSNBCs Politics Nation, called an emergency meeting of a diversity task force after the all-white-nomination announcement. In a statement he said, This is a big deal. Perception is reality, and the reality is that this is no small matter.
Isaacs, to her credit, has already announced their intention to change the optics of the award. When kids watch and dream of growing up as actors, we dont want to fill their minds with misconceptions. This is serious business hard work and there are no shortcuts to a bigger career. She then unveiled a new concept to the 87-year-old award.
She continued with the new trophy on the podium, This will be the face of the new Oscar. It is constructed of ivory, and its significantly smaller stature is a sign of a more humble Academy. One that emphasizes the importance of ones performance, rather than just a large reward I mean award.
This article appears in January 21, 2015.