During last night’s Oscars ceremony, there were the usual socio-political jokes by the host and comments from winners that seem to show up every year. We learned that Patricia Arquette doesn’t know much about basic economics and John Legend can’t quite figure out how crime works. And it’s always a treat hearing powerful bazillionaires lecture us regular folk as they receive their $168,000 swag bag. But, for the most part, despite its wearisome length, the evening seemed to go pretty smoothly.
Much was made of 2014’s films and the “lack of diversity” in the Academy Award nominations. That is usually code for “too many white people.” But people making those claims are ignoring some pretty impressive achievements.
For two consecutive years, Latino directors have won the Best Director prize. For two consecutive years, a Latino has won the Best Cinematography prize. (Prizes in direction and cinematography went to Asian filmmakers the previous year, as well. Why doesn't someone tell them there is a race problem going on?) For two consecutive years, a minority writer has won an award for Best Screenplay. For two consecutive years, the Best Original Song and Best Film Editing awards each went to people of various ethnic backgrounds. And for two consecutive years, the Best Picture of the year has been awarded to films not helmed by white guys.
Beyond the discussion on race, there have been other forms of diversity that have received acclaim. For two consecutive years, major awards have been handed out for films highlighting alternative sexual lifestyles. For two consecutive years, major awards have been handed out for portrayals of devastating illnesses and disabilities.
Even the hosts demonstrate Hollywood’s diversity: for two consecutive years, well known homosexual stars have introduced the show.
When we talk about Hollywood’s “race problem” or “diversity problem,” what are we really talking about? It seems that many different groups are actually doing quite well, as of late. Sure, most of these awards have gone to people whose work is done primarily behind the camera rather than in front of it. But does that diminish their brilliant achievements or the accompanying recognition they have received? I hope not. The past year has been one of the best in recent memory for its overall quality of films. Let’s remember it for what it was: a great year in movies made possible by people of all colors and backgrounds. Someone please tell Oprah.
Much was made of 2014’s films and the “lack of diversity” in the Academy Award nominations. That is usually code for “too many white people.” But people making those claims are ignoring some pretty impressive achievements.
For two consecutive years, Latino directors have won the Best Director prize. For two consecutive years, a Latino has won the Best Cinematography prize. (Prizes in direction and cinematography went to Asian filmmakers the previous year, as well. Why doesn't someone tell them there is a race problem going on?) For two consecutive years, a minority writer has won an award for Best Screenplay. For two consecutive years, the Best Original Song and Best Film Editing awards each went to people of various ethnic backgrounds. And for two consecutive years, the Best Picture of the year has been awarded to films not helmed by white guys.
Beyond the discussion on race, there have been other forms of diversity that have received acclaim. For two consecutive years, major awards have been handed out for films highlighting alternative sexual lifestyles. For two consecutive years, major awards have been handed out for portrayals of devastating illnesses and disabilities.
Even the hosts demonstrate Hollywood’s diversity: for two consecutive years, well known homosexual stars have introduced the show.
When we talk about Hollywood’s “race problem” or “diversity problem,” what are we really talking about? It seems that many different groups are actually doing quite well, as of late. Sure, most of these awards have gone to people whose work is done primarily behind the camera rather than in front of it. But does that diminish their brilliant achievements or the accompanying recognition they have received? I hope not. The past year has been one of the best in recent memory for its overall quality of films. Let’s remember it for what it was: a great year in movies made possible by people of all colors and backgrounds. Someone please tell Oprah.