There's just one week until Hollywood’s glitterati grace the red carpet for the 89th Academy Awards. Controversy about the stark lack of diversity marred last year’s ceremony. For a second year, the hashtag #oscarssowhite captured the frustration in the film community and among ardent fans. I agonized about whether to watch. Finally, I decided to tune in for host Chris Rock, whose biting satire reminded the audience of the black nominee shutout.
What a difference a year makes! The academy that had been 91 percent white expanded its membership to include more women and people of color. Their numbers are still small, but these new members voted in all categories. Several films featuring African-American actors and content also gained both critical acclaim and box office success this year. African-American actors have been nominated for their roles in "Hidden Figures," "Fences," and "Moonlight." The latter, a visually stunning independent film, is recognized in a host of categories — including a best director nomination for Barry Jenkins, and a best editor nomination for Joi McMillon, the first African-American woman ever nominated in that category. And African-American producer Kimberly Steward could take home a gold statue for "Manchester By the Sea". Refreshingly, this Academy Award season, #oscarssowhite is now #oscarskindabrown.
Even in this year with a significant increase in black nominations, the best feature documentary category stands out. This one’s personal to me: Before this year, only four African-American directors had ever been nominated in this category, and I'm one of them — nominated for my work directing “Bridge To Freedom,” my film in the “Eyes On The Prize” documentary series.
But that number exactly doubled with this year’s nominations. Four out of the 5 films nominated for best documentary feature are had African-American directors — including the much buzzed about, “I Am Not Your Negro," directed by Raoul Peck.
Gil Robertson, president of the African American Film Critics Association, called 2016 the best year ever for black filmmaking. But he still worries. “What will happen next year and the year after that?” he asked. And the creator of #oscarssowhite, April Reign, says that while the Oscars are blacker, they are still falling short of true diversity.
Other film professionals of color are scarce — Dev Patel, of "Lion," is the lone Asian acting nominee. “#Oscarsowhite is about the inclusion of all marginalized communities, both in front of and behind the camera throughout, the entertainment industry," Reign, managing editor of Broadwayblack.com, stressed.
It will take more than a few high-profile performances and one good year for top talent of color before #oscarssowhite can be retired. I’m hoping studio executives can see the bottom line benefit of films that draw old and new audiences. But mostly, I want more people to be exposed to cultural experiences and stories never seen on the big screen.
New York Times film critic A. O. Scott said it best: “To be afforded a window into another consciousness is a gift that only art can give.”
