The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is taking steps toward its new diversity goals with the addition of three new Board of Governors members. Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs made the announcement of the new Board of Governors members and also revealed the names of six individuals who will be added to different Board committees. The push for diversity in the Academy membership came after the 2016 Oscars once again registered zero nominations for actors who aren’t white, with the popularity of the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite helping to move the Academy into taking action this year.
Boone Isaacs announced Reginald Hudlin (Directors Branch), Gregory Nava (Writers Branch) and Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Short Films and Feature Animation Branch) were appointed governors on the Academy’s Board. They will each serve three year terms. “I’m proud of the steps we have taken to increase diversity,” said Boone Isaacs. “However, we know there is more to do as we move forward to make this a more inclusive organization.”
In addition, the following Academy members were added to the six Board committees that, per the Academy, “provide oversight to specific Academy areas.” The members appointed are:
– Actor Gael García Bernal joins the Awards and Events Committee, chaired by First Vice President Jeffrey Kurland.
– Cinematographer Amy Vincent joins the Preservation and History Committee, chaired by Vice President John Bailey.
– Producer Effie Brown joins the Museum Committee, chaired by Vice President Kathleen Kennedy.
– Executive Marcus Hu and Animator Floyd Norman join the Education and Outreach Committee, chaired by Vice President Bill Kroyer.
– Executive Vanessa Morrison joins the Finance Committee, chaired by Treasurer Jim Gianopulos.
– Producer Stephanie Allain joins the Membership and Administration Committee, chaired by Secretary Phil Robinson.
The Academy Board also confirmed each branch executive committee will determine the criteria for active members based on January’s announcement of new guidelines. The Academy says active Oscar voters are:
– those who have worked in the motion picture industry in the last 10 years;
– those who have worked anytime during three 10-year periods whether consecutive or not;
– members who have won or been nominated for an Oscar®.
