Wow. Some big news about the future of how the Academy Awards are going to determine eligibility came through on Tuesday night. In short, Oscar is finally trying to make a more concerted effort to reflect the world that films come from. To that end, movies will have to meet a diversity or representation requirement in order to be eligible for a Best Picture nomination (or win, obviously). A select few have met the Academy’s announcement with criticism, or worse…puzzlement, but most have correctly understood that this is needed, the right thing to do, and in no way impacts the art you’ll see on the screen (or if it does, it will for the better). Read on for more… According to the Academy on their website, this will start during 2022 and 2023, for the 94th and 95th Academy Award ceremonies, with movies needing to hit at least two of the four categories. This is just for Best Picture, however, as the other categories will maintain the current eligibility requirements they now have. It’s obviously the first phase in a longer game, aimed at truly bringing equality to the Oscars, and it’s well past time for it, too. Here are the requirements, from the post on the official Oscar website: STANDARD A: ON-SCREEN REPRESENTATION, THEMES AND NARRATIVES To achieve Standard A, the film must meet ONE of the following criteria: A1. Lead or significant supporting actors At least one of the lead actors or significant supporting actors is from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. • Asian • Hispanic/Latinx • Black/African American • Indigenous/Native American/Alaskan Native • Middle Eastern/North African • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander • Other underrepresented race or ethnicity A2. General ensemble cast At least 30% of all actors in secondary and more minor roles are from at least two of the following underrepresented groups: • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing A3. Main storyline/subject matter The main storyline(s), theme or narrative of the film is centered on an underrepresented group(s). • Women • Racial or ethnic group • LGBTQ+ • People with cognitive or physical disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing STANDARD B: CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AND PROJECT TEAM To achieve Standard B, the film must meet ONE of the criteria below: B1. Creative leadership and […]