In this article from Affinity Magazine, the writer addresses the #OscarsSoWhite scandal, in which many POC were enraged and irritated by the fact that after several years of only white nominees in the Oscars major film categories, audiences had yet another one. This was felt with even more backlash because of the release of the film Selma (2016) directed by Ava DuVernay, which chronicled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic march from Selma to Montgomery. Many thought that the film deserved a Best Picture nomination, and were affronted when the movie was only nominated for Best Original Song, and when it was found that there were no people of color nominated in any Best Actor or Actress category. This year though, there is a large show of diversity and POC nominated in almost every category, which pleased audiences as there were movies such as Fences, Hidden Figures, and Moonlight released in 2016. This show of diversity is a great step for the Oscars and gives POC hope for the future.
This great show of diversity really gives me so much hope because I am a young actor of color who, up until recently, hadn't seen this many movies that showcased POC and the trials and tribulations of their lives. In light of recent events, this makes me proud of the progress that has and will be made. This show of diversity is very similar the Harlem Renaissance in the sense that the art that POC were creating was amazing and being lauded by people across the nation and the world.
I remember all the outrage and backlash that happened last year and I'm really glad there's been a change this year.
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