Yes, the 2018 Oscar nominations are more diverse — but #OscarsSoWhite is still a problem
When the nominations for the 90th Academy Awards were announced in January, there was something noticeably different about this year’s list of nominees compared to previous ones: Major categories, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, actually honored people of color who have contributed their immense talents to some of the amazing films this year.
Because of previous years’ huge lack of non-white honorees, many observers were quick to cheer for the diverse nominees and applaud the inclusion of traditionally marginalized groups, as we all should. But some people even asked whether or not the era of #OscarsSoWhite is “finally over” — but if this year’s list of nominees proves anything, it is that there is still an uphill battle for equality in Hollywood.
Yes, there may be more diversity in the 2018 Oscar nominations, but #OscarsSoWhite is still a major problem.
When April Reign tweeted about Hollywood’s diversity problem following 2015’s all-white acting nominations, the #OscarsSoWhite creator wanted to draw attention to the entertainment industry’s serious problem with racial inequality. Three years and a more much more diverse nomination list later, Reign explains that there is still a long way to go before underrepresented communities are on equal footing with white actors, producers, directors, and other creatives in Hollywood.
She tweeted the following sentiments this morning:
#OscarsSoWhite is very much alive and as relevant as when I created it in 2015. It has always been about all marginalized communities and focuses both in front of and behind the camera. While some progress is made every year, much more work needs to be done. #OscarNoms #Oscars
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 23, 2018
“There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done,” Reign told the Daily News after seeing the Oscar nominations announced this morning. “People unduly focus on films that reflect the Black experience, when that has never been the goal of #OscarsSoWhite.”
It’s true that the 2018 Oscar nominations honor several Black men and women, both in front of and behind the camera — including key nominations for actors Daniel Kaluuya (for his lead role in Get Out), Denzel Washington (for his lead role in Roman J. Israel, Esq.), Octavia Spencer (for her supporting role in The Shape of Water), and Mary J. Blige (for her supporting role in Mudbound and for her original song in the film). In addition to Kaluuya’s Best Actor nod, the record-breaking social thriller Get Out received three more nominations — Best Picture, as well as Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Jordan Peele.
Four Black actors got nominated.
Two Black Screenplay nominations.
A Black director.
And Black producer.
In a year that could have been #OscarsSoWhite, it was better than predicted.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) January 23, 2018
These are huge reasons to celebrate, but there are still problems we can’t ignore.
Yet again, only white actresses were nominated for the Best Actress category. Moreover, there is a complete lack of Latinx and Asian nominations across all major acting categories. Hong Chau wasn’t recognized for her highly praised performance in Downsizing, and not a single Latinx-led movie received an Oscar nomination. By excluding so many other underrepresented groups from such an important industry event, Hollywood’s messaging is that though they may be ready to celebrate Black experiences at their award shows, other people of color still have to fight for space at the table.
As Reign’s earlier tweets mentioned, this movement is about all marginalized communities. Reign continued:
Until we are no longer lauding "firsts" after a 90 year history, until we can no longer count a traditionally underrepresented community's number of nominations in a particular category on our fingers, #OscarsSoWhite remains relevant. The fight continues. #Oscars #OscarNoms
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 23, 2018
Define "very diverse," Vicky. How many women were nominated in gender-neutral categories? How many Latinx folks were nominated? How many AAPI folks were nominated? How many LGBT+ stories were told on film? Where are the films about disabled folks? Shall I continue? #OscarsSoWhite https://t.co/CanKKbKRWr
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 23, 2018
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body behind the Oscars, seems to be working toward a more inclusive awards show. But after decades of inequality, it is going to take a lot more than a handful of nominations to change a legacy of racism and inequality.
If Jordan Peele takes home the award for Best Director for Get Out, he will become the first-ever Black director to take home the prize in 90 years. As Reign points out on Twitter:
"Until we are no longer lauding 'firsts' after a 90 year history, until we can no longer count a traditionally underrepresented communities' number of nominations in a particular category on our fingers, #OscarsSoWhite remains relevant. The fight continues."
1 woman nominated out of 10 slots for Best Picture.
1 woman nominated for best director out of 5 slots.
No women of color nominated in either category.
We still have a long way to go, Hollywood. #TIMESUP
— Listening in the Dark ✨Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) January 23, 2018
It is so important to recognize the achievements and Oscar nominations of women and people of color in the film industry this year, but the fact remains: the Oscars are still so white, still so male-dominated, and still have a lot of work to do on behalf of marginalized and underrepresented groups in Hollywood.
