In 2016, the Academy was under fire as it was widely criticized for featuring predominantly white nominees in major award categories. This resulted in the #OscarsSoWhite” movement and the Academy promised to expand the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities within the organisation by this year as part of its A2020 initiative.
Now, the Film Academy just announced its newest members and this has allowed the Academy to surpass its goal. The Academy has invited a total of 819 people — its third largest member class in its 93-year history after the 842 invited in 2019, and 928 in 2018.
The majority of the new members were invited by fellow actors, casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, directors, documentary, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, music, producers, short films & feature animation, visual effects and writers.
Some of the notable invitees of the 2020 member class include Zendaya, Awkwafina, Constance Wu, Cynthia Erivo, Eva Longoria, Alexander Siddig, Olivia Wilde, Ali Abbasi and Salem Brahimi.
The Academy’s next goal is to advance inclusion and representation in membership and the film community by 2025.Â
Now, find out which major awards show have been officially postponed.
