The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced the invitation of a total number of 819 artistes and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Three out of the 819 artistes are Nigeria veteran actress, Genevieve Nnaji, Nigeria-Bristish born actress Cynthia Erivo and Film director, Akin Omotos.
Their invitation came to many as a great opportunity to promote the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, although this is not the first time Nigerian filmmakers are making the Academy member list.
Following the outcry against racism in the academy, #OscarsSoWhite in 2015, the global film academy set out to increase the diversity of its membership.
Before then, the group had 75 percent of its membership male and 92 percent white at the time. Only 25 percent of its members were female and eight percent of people of colour.
However, the board shifted its goal to double the number of female and minority members in 2020.
“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” said Academy President David Rubin.
Dawn Hudson, the Academy CEO also expressed his satisfaction over the achievement of the goal set for the academy in 2016.
“We take great pride in the strides we have made in exceeding our initial inclusion goals set back in 2016, but acknowledge the road ahead is a long one.”
“We are committed to staying the course. I cannot give enough thanks to all our members and staff who worked on the A2020 initiative and to our head of Member Relations and Awards, Lorenza Muñoz, for her leadership and passion in guiding us through to this point and helping to set the path going forward. We look forward to continuing to foster an Academy that reflects the world around us in our membership, our programs, our new Museum, and in our awards,” he said.
Other reputable invitees include Eva Longoria (Harsh Times), Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians), Ana de Armas (Knives Out), and Cynthia Erivo (Widows), Yalitza Aparicio (Roma) and Florence Pugh (Little Women).
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