#OscarsSoWhite on Hollywood representation
What's the difference between meaningful and diverse representation and tokenizing? We spoke with April Reign on the issue.
Inclusion and Representation
April Reign created the viral #OscarsSoWhite hashtag in 2015 to call out the lack of representation of people of color in Hollywood. But what is the difference between meaningful, diverse representation and tokenizing? While the recent Star Wars film featured a blink-and-you-miss-it same sex kiss, for Reign, films like Black Panther and the HBO Series Watchmen have provided a reason to be optimistic.
A former lawyer and diversity advocate
“So "Black Panther" helmed by Ryan Coogler was incredibly intentional both in front of and behind the camera and it's a great example of what can happen when somebody is thoughtful. You know, so black production designer, black costume designer, you know, black stunt doubles which is incredibly important. One of my top favorite TV shows of all time now is "Watchmen," right. One series. It just ended on HBO. Damon Lindelof is the creator and showrunner, a white guy, right. But he was very forthright in saying, "I know what I don't know and I… but I want this to be the best possible work possible." And so, his writers' room was incredibly diverse, you know. And as a black woman watching the Tulsa massacre of 1921 — like he didn't even have to touch that issue, right. It wasn't in the film, it wasn't in the original comic book series, but he said, "No. let's tackle it. Show me how to do it," right. And that was brilliant”, April Reign tells Brut.
The lack of diverse Oscar nominations shows that the people who make up the Academy are still "overwhelmingly white and male
Four years since the hashtag started a huge cultural conversation about the lack of diversity in the movies and performers nominated for Academy Awards. Film fans were dismayed to see that many acclaimed movies featuring actors of color, or directed by women) and people of color, were again snubbed by the Academy in its Monday announcement. All the best director nominees are men, and out of 20 lead and supporting actor nominees, only one is a person of color Cynthia Ervio for Harriet.
Brut.
13 comments
Shonda C.
01/31/2020 12:00Thank You....😍😘
Connie B.
01/31/2020 02:32Well said Ms. Reign. We agree.
Phalonda H.
01/28/2020 09:34I did an essay on her for my speech class in college...she ain't playin' !! She's absolutely right if you look at the history of the academy....which I did.
Robert B.
01/26/2020 22:15Fact
Anthony H.
01/26/2020 21:02I am interested in you production work
Jean G.
01/26/2020 14:30Congratulations
Cheryl M.
01/25/2020 02:17BRAVO young lady.
Jacqueline D.
01/21/2020 22:40Haddu
Jacqueline D.
01/21/2020 21:50Hardy, BOmi
Jacqueline D.
01/21/2020 21:50Hardy Bom
Dick M.
01/17/2020 22:55Put something on the screen entertaining enough to get me in a seat. If you can't do that, what makes you think you need to be awarded for failure?
Gerald B.
01/17/2020 22:44Great Points. Thank you. I need a BLACK WOMAN like you sitting next to me.
Carlos A.
01/17/2020 18:35They dont want you only want to make money off you dont give them that pleasure make your own join spike lee.