New Oscars inclusivity initiative; ten Best Picture nominees again (1 Viewer)

[Jake Lipson]

From Deadline, emphasis mine:

After a series of meetings, and approval Thursday by the board of governors, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the next phase of its ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion, Academy Aperture 2025. This comes after a previous initiative largely aimed at making membership regarding women and people of color more representative, a goal that was set for this year which AMPAS says has been surpassed.

A new phase has begun, and in terms of the Oscar race itself includes going back to a set number of 10 Best Picture nominees, replacing the current eligibility rule that allows for five up to 10 nominees. This does not apply to the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards (2020 release year), but will take effect for the 94th Oscars (2021) and into the future. The Academy will also create a quarterly viewing process through their streaming site starting also with the 94th Oscars that is designed to “level the playing field” and make all films easier to see year round rather than in the usual crunch of “awards season.”

Oscars: Academy Unveils New Equity And Inclusion Standards, Returns To Firm 10 Best Picture Nominees

After a series of meetings, and approval Thursday by the board of governors, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the next phase of its ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion, Academy Aperture 2025. This comes after a previous initiative largely aimed at making...

deadline.com

 

[Malcolm R]

I'm not sure how the number of nominees makes much of a difference. They still have to get members to vote for films.

And if they're really interested in considering nominees over the full year, rather than having "the usual crunch of 'awards season'," perhaps they should consider quarterly nominations. Have four 3-month nomination windows throughout the year, with two nominees from each window, then the final two nominees can be any films released any time during the entire eligibility year. This would prevent studios from flooding the market with their prestige films from October to December.

 

[Wayne_j]

I was just on my way to post this.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

When the Academy gets more slots, historically, they fill them with more art fare that has little interest or relevance to the larger public. When they do nominate a more popular film in an extra slot, they more often than not deny the film a Best Director nomination, thus taking away its chance of winning for all intents and purposes. Since a BD nom is the best indication of whether a BP nom has a chance, until the number of BD slots is equal to the number of BP slots, it’s a meaningless change.

 

[Jake Lipson]

All of that is true. But when ten films were listed, they still got the distinction.

In my personal opinion, Up was the best picture of 2009 and Toy Story 3 was the best picture of 2010. Fortunately, they were recognized as being in that group. They didn't have a chance in hell of winning, as we know. But they were still there.

I'd rather have great films included than not included.

 

[Adam Lenhardt]

Are there even going to be ten films released in theaters this year?

 

[Jake Lipson]

I'm guessing that's why they said it will start in 2022 (for the 2021 release year.)

 

[TravisR]

Are there even going to be ten films released in theaters this year?

I'll reuse my joke from another thread: And the Oscar goes to... Sonic The Hedgehog!

 

[Patrick Sun]

Dammit, "Scoob" got robbed in 2020!!!!!

 

[Jake Lipson]

I think if the Oscars were handed out tomorrow, Onward would be a serious contender for Best Picture, and I would be absolutely delighted because I believe it is sensational. I have no doubt that even in a normal year, I would consider it to be one of the best pictures of the year.

That being said, if animation is ever going to break its glass ceiling, it would be nicer if it wasn't by default.

 

[TravisR]

I think if the Oscars were handed out tomorrow, Onward would be a serious contender for Best Picture, and I would be absolutely delighted because I believe it is sensational.

Onward is easily the best movie I've seen this year and the only thing I've seen that is even remotely memorable.

 

[Patrick Sun]

What, no love for "Bloodshot"???

 

[Malcolm R]

The Wretched has been dominating the summer box office. Obviously it's worthy of a few awards.