Eroding the Value of the Oscar

Many voting members of the Academy Awards are voicing their opposition to the Academy's new rules on diversity and inclusion that must be adhered to for Oscar nomination.

In looking, for example, at the requirements for 'Best Picture' nomination the criteria are, well very nebulous. 

Cinema Mucho Gusto posted on May 9th, 2023 'Have the Oscar's New Standards Gone Too Far?' where Richard Dreyfuss voiced his very strong rejection of the new rules, and he is certainly not the only one. Many voting members of the Academy are violently opposed to the new rules. For example, film producers and directors will be required to submit to the Academy a dossier of the race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status of their film's cast and crew members. 

Opponents to the new rules claim film such as 'The Godfather' and 'Schindler's List' and hundreds of other spectacular films would not have qualified for award consideration under the new inclusion guidelines. 

Schindler's List would not be considered for an Oscar.

The anti-woke view of many in the film industry think that no group should be given special treatment. According to Richard Dreyfuss, "I'm sorry, but I don't think there's a minority or majority in the country that has to be catered to like that."

Responding to the backlash from its members, the Academy issued a statement, saying "The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them. The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality."  Translation, if a film doesn't adhere to the policy of employing enough people of color, people with disabilities, or people who identify as LGBTQ+ it would not be considered for an Oscar.

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Cinema Mucho Gusto's Take

Once again, the Academy has decided to diminish the 'value' of the Oscar. None of the other major Award groups, particularly overseas, have followed the Academy's lead and probably will not as it force what is an art form into a ridge rule structure.

Additionally, what prevents any cast or crew member from saying they are LGBTQ+ just to get the role or job assignment? "Yes, today I declare myself a woman."

CMG also believes that inclusion and diversity, unlike what the Academy postulates, DO NOT bring more moviegoers to cinemas. What brings moviegoers to cinemas are what has always brought moviegoers to cinemas - excellently executed and realistic storylines and not the number count on how many people who worked on the film are disabled or gay. 

By: Jim Lavorato                                                                                          Entertainment Equipment Corp.