The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released its list of invitees for 2019. The list seems more women and people of color included than ever before, many of them tied to recent book adaptations.
After the “Oscars So White” controversy of 2016, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is stepping up and becoming more inclusive by inviting more women and people of color. Finally they are paying respect to some incredibly talented people in the film industry, many of whom have been ignored for years.
Image via azatty
The official release opens up with the statistical difference this year’s new members make. “The 2019 class is 50% women, 29% people of color, and represents 59 countries.” Looking through the list you’ll notice a number of these invitees were a part of the two most talked about adaptations of 2018 – Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, two films that were praised not only as fantastic films and adaptations but also for the impact they have on an industry that has been so lacking in diversity.
Crazy Rich Asians helped actress Gemma Chan attained an invite, as well as director Jonathan M. Chu
Sterling K. Brown, Winston Duke, and Letitia Wright from Black Panther earned invites of their own, along with make-up artist Tym Shutchai Buacharern, and visual effects artist Jessica Harris.
Many more have been included, such as actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Suicide Squad) and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (The Sun Is Also A Star), and author of Gone Girl and Sharp Objects, Gillian Flynn.
With so many other amazing novels and series out there just waiting to be adapted for the big screen, more roles and opportunities for women and people of color are sure to be created!