(L-R) Director Barry Jenkins, and actors Naomi Harris and Mahershala Ali, all nominated for the 89th Annual Academy Awards for “Moonlight.” ABC/Heidi Gutman(LOS ANGELES) — April Reign, the activist who launched the #OscarsSoWhite movement, is speaking out about the Academy Award nominees saying a diverse nominations list does not erase, “eighty years of underrepresentation.”
Reign, who is a former attorney and the managing editor of BroadwayBlack.com, released a statement this morning offering her thoughts on the 2017 Oscar nominations list. The nominations, in which 35 percent of the acting nominees are people of color, include the likes of Octavia Spencer, Denzel Washington, Mahershala Ali, Barry Jenkins and Joi McMillion, who is the first African-American woman to be recognized by the Academy for editing.
“This year’s slate of Oscars nominees highlights that, when given the opportunity, films that reflect the diversity of this country will shine. I am especially encouraged by the nomination of the first Black Cinematographer in Bradford Young for Arrival, and the Adapted Screenplay nominations for Fences, Lion, Hidden Figures, and Moonlight,” Reign begins her message. “Nevertheless, one year does not make up for over eighty years of underrepresentation of all genders, sexual orientations, races, abilities, and First Nation status.”
Reign continues adding that even with this step towards inclusion, there are still many areas where the Oscars are lacking.
#OscarsSoWhite is about the inclusion of all marginalized communities, both in front of and behind the camera, throughout the entertainment industry,” she explains. “Films that reflect the nuance and complexity of all theatergoers have been incredibly successful this year, both critically and financially.”
Reign concludes her statement promising that her #OscarsSoWhite campaign will continue to hold Hollywood accountable.
“It is incumbent upon Hollywood to ensure that more stories like these are told. That can only be achieved with enthusiastic support from studios beginning at the screenwriting process and continuing through film distribution. I will continue to push for change using #OscarsSoWhite as a platform.”
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved