Academy Awards Takes Major Step Toward Diversity Goals

For years, the group that hands out the Academy Awards (or Oscars) has been criticized for a lack of diversity. This year (2018), the Academy has invited 928 new members from 59 countries. If everyone accepts, female and person of color membership would both rise by 3 percent. The invited include “Girls Trip” star Tiffany Haddish, “The Big Sick” co-writers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, and comedian and actor Dave Chappelle. In 2016, the Academy pledged to double female and minority membership by 2020. This push means the group is on its way to hitting that goal.