Oscars adopt reforms after all-white awards controversy

THE Oscars have responded to widespread criticism over its whitewashed awards saying “the Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up”.

Jada Pinkett Smith, and Will Smith arrive for the 73nd annual Golden Globe Awards, January 10, 2016, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON

THE Academy Awards have bowed to pressure over its lack of African American nominates.

The Oscars have pledged to double the number of female and minority members by 2020, and will immediately diversify its leadership by adding three new seats to its board of governors.

Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced the changes Friday, after a week-long storm of criticism and calls for an Oscar boycott after academy members nominated an all-white slate of actors for the second year in a row.

Isaacs said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 51-member board of governors unanimously approved a series of reforms late Thursday to “begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition”.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Cheryl Boone Isaacs has announced sweeping changes to Oscars voting. Picture: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Other changes include limiting members’ voting status to a period of 10 years.

In a statement, the Academy president said changes to membership would have “an immediate impact”.

“The Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up,” Isaacs said.

“These new measures regarding governance and voting will have an immediate impact and begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition.”

Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have pledged to boycott this year’s Oscars. Picture: AFP/Valerie Macon

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, who sparked the Oscars boycott, had no immediate reaction to the reforms.

Both have pledged not to attend the Oscars this year.

Idris Elba, who was not nominated for his role in Netflix’s critically acclaimed Beasts of No Nation, also had no immediate response.

Idris Elba was snubbed in this year’s nominations. Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, whose Selma was nominated for best picture last year but not for lead actor David Oyelowo, quickly responded via Twitter.

Just received from @TheAcademy. One good step in a long, complicated journey for people of color + women artists. pic.twitter.com/CDB3ro2E4Q

— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) January 22, 2016

Cameron Bailey, artist director of the Toronto International Film Festival, called it “impressive, bold action” and tweeted, “studio’s you’re next”.

Impressive, bold action by the Academy's Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Dawn Hudson & Phil Robinson: https://t.co/bfUwMOo0au. Studios, you're next.

— Cameron Bailey (@cameron_tiff) January 22, 2016