Demand The Academy diversify its membership
Sign the Petition
* denotes required fields
† MOBILE ALERTS FROM COLOROFCHANGE. PERIODIC MESSAGES. MSG & DATA RATES MAY APPLY. TEXT STOP TO 225568 TO STOP RECEIVING MESSAGES. TEXT HELP TO 225568 FOR MORE INFORMATION. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Demand The Academy diversify its membership
The 2015 Academy Awards ceremony was the "whitest since 1998."
No people of color received any acting nominations, and no women were nominated for Best Director. Of course, this is hardly surprising when we take into account the fact that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organization that determines Oscar nominees and winners, is 94% white and 76% male.
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences - the organization responsible for the Emmys - has made significant strides to be more diverse, the numerous Black artists nominated for Emmys this year, and Viola Davis' historic win of Outstanding Lead Actress are proof of that. It is time for the AMPAS to follow suit and be intentional about diversifying their ranks and ensuring Black artists and entertainers are given the support, respect, and recognition they deserve.
Join us in demanding the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announce and implement substantive measures toward diversifying its membership.
This is the letter we'll send to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on your behalf. Feel free to add a personal comment in the space provided.
Dear Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,
The 2015 Academy Awards will reportedly be the "whitest Oscars since 1998." No people of color received acting nominations, and no women received a nod for Best Director. This is totally unacceptable, and unsurprising considering the lack of diversity within your ranks.
Your telecast lifts up those considered to be among today's most important artists and entertainers, resulting in increased financial backing for future projects and the opening of doors and opportunities for those featured. Black artists being denied their rightful place at the Oscars only helps to solidify the fallacy that Hollywood is the playground of white people, and that the cultural products of Black people don’t matter and are undeserving of praise, funding, or the attention of the public.
It is time for powerful cultural institutions like the Academy -- and all other entities that fund a culture that devalues Black art -- to recognize the message they’re sending to young people about the worthiness of their stories and images, and take substantive steps towards leveling the playing field in the entertainment industry.
We demand you announce and implement substantive steps towards diversifying your membership.
Sincerely,
[your name]