There is no doubt that minorities are underrepresented in the film industry. So the British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) is making a statement to move the industry towards equality.
In order to ensure diversity in the projects that they honor, BAFTA is implementing four new diversity standards: on-screen representation, themes and narratives; project leadership and creative practitioners; industry access and opportunities; and opportunities for diversity in audience development. This means that the deciding factor isn’t necessarily the content being produced—who is producing it, who has access to it and who the product is reaching will carry more weight.
If films do not meet at least two of the diversity standards, they cannot be nominated for Outstanding British Film or Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
BAFTA is hoping to make a permanent change in regards to the underrepresentation of minorities in the industry. Consider this a clapback to the Academy and #OscarsSoWhite.
People of all races, genders, orientations, socioeconomic classes and bodies have every right to be fairly represented in this industry. So props to BAFTA for pushing us in the right direction! Hopefully this means that as we move forward, there will be more equal opportunity in all aspects of society, not just in what we watch on our screens.