Push for More Gender and Ethnical Diversity for Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences then agreed to a shakeup of its membership – traditionally seen as old, white and male – to bring in more women and members of ethnic minorities.

The protests led to an unprecedented debate about racial equality in the film industry – characterised on social media by the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite – and caused several Hollywood stars to boycott the awards ceremony.

The organisers of the Oscars have invited a record number of new members to vote in next year’s Academy Awards, in response to criticism of a lack of diversity at this year’s ceremony.

Nearly 700 people were invited, with a focus on women and ethnic minorities.

Almost half the people who have been asked to join are women and almost as many people of colour.For the second year in a row, all the nominees at February’s 88th Academy Awardswere white, sparking an outcry.