Academy Awards 2014: Cheryl Boone Isaacs Making History As First Female Pres. Of Awards
Lupita Nyong'o, Barkhad Abdi and Chiwetel Ejiofor are just some of the black Oscar nominees at the 86th Annual Academy Awards. To some, this might seem like quite a coup at the Academys. And also making history is the first African-American female President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Cheryl Boone Isaacs.
Boone Isaacs has 21 years of experience on the Academy's Board of Govenors, and 30 years in film marketing. Last summer, she was elected president. Boone Isaacs knows what she is doing, and is aware of the message of diversity. But in an interview with Reuters, she prefers to talk about story-telling rather than gender or race.
Boone Isaacs might not want to talk about gender or race, we prefer to talk about making history. Not only is she the first African-American female president, the film 12 Years A Slave, if it wins, would be the first time that a black Director wins the top spot. Diversity has always been the narrative of the Academy, and perhaps the filmmakers and the actors are showing up to get the work done.
Despite the Academy's message of diversity, it's membership is eye opening. In 2012, the Los Angeles Times conducted an extensive investigation on the members and found something revealing: they are 6,000 plus members; and, they are 94 percent White; 77 percent male; and 62 was the median age.
The membership may not represent the viewing public, but the distinct viewing public is asking for more films that reflect them, and the artists such as, actors, musicians, directors, writers, producers, and casting agents are listening.
The Guardian reported that Boone Isaacs agrees with the push for diversity, "I believe very strongly that the entertainment and Motion Picture business is going to be more open and aware of different voices," Boone Isaacs said.
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