Telugu blockbuster&nbsp;RRR's global success put its actors and crew on the international stage. While SS Rajamouli, music composer MM Kreem and lyricist Chandrabose were awarded, Jr NTR was included in the Actors Branch of the Academy. Now, his co-star Ram Charan too has joined the esteemed club.&nbsp;

Ram is joining new members of the Actors Branch of the Academy which includes actors like Lashana Lynch and Louis Koo Tin-Lok among others.&nbsp; 
 
The Academy shared a post on Instagram announcing the new Actors Branch list.

A short video with clips of Ram and other actors was shared and along with that a statement read, “Through their nuanced portrayal and dedication to authenticity, these actors gift us with characters that leave a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. Their mastery of their art form transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary cinematic experiences, enriching our appreciation for the depth and complexity of human emotions. We’re thrilled to welcome these accomplished performers to the Actors Branch of the Academy: Lashana Lynch, Ram Charan, Vicky Krieps, Louis Koo Tin-Lok, Keke Palmer, Chang Chen, Sakura Ando and Robert Davi.” 
 
On October 18, the Academy also shared a similar post on Instagram introducing a batch of new members of the Actors Branch, which featured Ram's RRR co-star Jr NTR and Ke Huy Quan, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Rosa Salazar, among others. While fans had celebrated Jr NTR's inclusion to the list, many also wondered why Ram Charan had not been a part of the list.&nbsp; 
 
In March this year, "Naatu Naatu", a track from RRR, became the first Indian film song to win an Oscar for Best Original Song.

Telugu blockbuster RRR's global success put its actors and crew on the international stage. While SS Rajamouli, music composer MM Kreem and lyricist Chandrabose were awarded, Jr NTR was included in the Actors Branch of the Academy.

Telugu blockbuster RRR's global success put its actors and crew on the international stage. While SS Rajamouli, music composer MM Kreem and lyricist Chandrabose were awarded, Jr NTR was included in the Actors Branch of the Academy. Now, his co-star Ram Charan too has joined the esteemed club. Ram is joining new members of the Actors Branch of the Academy which includes actors like Lashana Lynch and Louis Koo Tin-Lok among others. The Academy shared a post on Instagram announcing the new Actors Branch list. A short video with clips of Ram and other actors was shared and along with that a statement read, “Through their nuanced portrayal and dedication to authenticity, these actors gift us with characters that leave a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. Their mastery of their art form transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary cinematic experiences, enriching our appreciation for the depth and complexity of human emotions. We’re thrilled to welcome these accomplished performers to the Actors Branch of the Academy: Lashana Lynch, Ram Charan, Vicky Krieps, Louis Koo Tin-Lok, Keke Palmer, Chang Chen, Sakura Ando and Robert Davi.” On October 18, the Academy also shared a similar post on Instagram introducing a batch of new members of the Actors Branch, which featured Ram's RRR co-star Jr NTR and Ke Huy Quan, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Rosa Salazar, among others. While fans had celebrated Jr NTR's inclusion to the list, many also wondered why Ram Charan had not been a part of the list. In March this year, "Naatu Naatu", a track from RRR, became the first Indian film song to win an Oscar for Best Original Song.

After Jr NTR, Ram Charan joins the Actors Branch of the Academy 

Jr NTR has been inducted as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences class of actors. The Academy made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday night and shared a list of names who have been included as new member&nbsp;class of actors and the RRR star features on it.&nbsp; 
 
An Instagram post captioned, "Introducing Academy's new member class of actors" was shared by the Academy on its official Instagram handle. Besides Jr NTR, the list also features Ke Huy Quan, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Kerry Condon, Rosa Salazar.

"In the capable hands of these dedicated and gifted performers, stories transcend the confines of imagination, taking on a tangible, visceral existence that captivates viewers around the world. Through their nuanced expressions, compelling gestures, and authentic portrayals, they bridge the gap between fiction and reality, allowing us to see ourselves in the struggles, joys, and triumphs of the characters they bring to life," read the caption on the post. 
 
An excerpt from the post read, "The Academy is thrilled to welcome Ke Huy Quan, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Kerry Condon, N.T. Rama Rao Jr, and Rosa Salazar to the Actors Branch.." 
 
The news was greeted with a lot of excitement on the internet as fans of Jr&nbsp;NTR celebrated the new feather on his hat.&nbsp; 
 
"So happy to see Jr NTR in the list," wrote an Instagram user. "Happy that you have included Jr NTR and definitely acting is in safe hands," added another. "Our Jr NTR from India is there. Amazing Academy," read a third. 
 
"No need for awards... This is just enough what NTR acting is," read a fourth. "Jr NTR walks away with all the accolades," inputs from another user. "Lots of love from India for including Jr NTR," read another one. 
 
Jr NTR became a global star after featuring in SS Rajamouli's RRR alongside Ram Charan.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier this year, RRR &nbsp;ruled the international award season and how. At the Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles this year, RRR won two awards - Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu. 

Naatu Naatu also won the Best Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards and an Oscar. Both Ram Charan and Jr NTR became household names in the West as they widely promoted the film and the song as a run up to Oscars.&nbsp;

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Jr NTR has been inducted as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences class of actors. The Academy made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday night and shared a list of names who have been included as new member class of actors and the RRR star features on it.

Jr NTR has been inducted as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences class of actors. The Academy made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday night and shared a list of names who have been included as new member class of actors and the RRR star features on it. An Instagram post captioned, "Introducing Academy's new member class of actors" was shared by the Academy on its official Instagram handle. Besides Jr NTR, the list also features Ke Huy Quan, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Kerry Condon, Rosa Salazar. "In the capable hands of these dedicated and gifted performers, stories transcend the confines of imagination, taking on a tangible, visceral existence that captivates viewers around the world. Through their nuanced expressions, compelling gestures, and authentic portrayals, they bridge the gap between fiction and reality, allowing us to see ourselves in the struggles, joys, and triumphs of the characters they bring to life," read the caption on the post. An excerpt from the post read, "The Academy is thrilled to welcome Ke Huy Quan, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Kerry Condon, N.T. Rama Rao Jr, and Rosa Salazar to the Actors Branch.." The news was greeted with a lot of excitement on the internet as fans of Jr NTR celebrated the new feather on his hat. "So happy to see Jr NTR in the list," wrote an Instagram user. "Happy that you have included Jr NTR and definitely acting is in safe hands," added another. "Our Jr NTR from India is there. Amazing Academy," read a third. "No need for awards... This is just enough what NTR acting is," read a fourth. "Jr NTR walks away with all the accolades," inputs from another user. "Lots of love from India for including Jr NTR," read another one. Jr NTR became a global star after featuring in SS Rajamouli's RRR alongside Ram Charan. Earlier this year, RRR ruled the international award season and how. At the Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles this year, RRR won two awards - Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu. Naatu Naatu also won the Best Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards and an Oscar. Both Ram Charan and Jr NTR became household names in the West as they widely promoted the film and the song as a run up to Oscars. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jr NTR becomes a new member in Academy's class of actors 

The Academy has decided that British actress Andrea Riseborough can keep her nomination but added that the tactics she used in her film's campaign 'caused concern'. Andrea was an outsider for a nomination but was backed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and Edward Norton. 
 
The Academy, which organises Oscar awards each year, has now reviewed whether the campaign broke its rules. 
It concluded that the issues did "not rise to the level that the film's nomination should be rescinded". 
 
Academy chief executive Bill Kramer added in a statement, "However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being addressed with the responsible parties directly." 
The Academy has not named those "responsible parties". Andrea has not been accused of wrongdoing. The actress was nominated for her role in 'To Leslie', a low-budget film in which she plays an alcoholic mother from Texas who tries to make ends meet after squandering her lottery winnings. 
 
Andrea's name in the nomination list came as a surprise to many as she was not in the awards radar unlike this year's favourites Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh. However, some high-profile fans voiced their admiration on social media and even hosted screenings which cemented Andrea's spot in the best actress category at Oscars 2023.&nbsp; 
 
The question of whether the campaign broke Academy guidelines is believed to have come down to a few specific posts that not only championed Andrea Riseborough but also made reference to her competitors - which is not allowed. 
 
One since-deleted Instagram post that has been under the spotlight was published by the official 'To Leslie' account. 
It quoted Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times, who wrote: "As much as I admired (Cate) Blanchett's work in Tár, my favourite performance by a woman this year was delivered by the chameleonlike Andrea Riseborough." 
While the critic was not wrong in making the comparison, it was unlawful for the film to highlight the comparison on social media handles.&nbsp; 
 
Similarly, actress Frances Fisher, who has appeared in 'Titanic' and 'Gone In 60 Seconds', lobbied for Andrea while implying Blanchett, Michelle Yeoh, Danielle Deadwyler and Viola Davis did not need more support because they were "a lock for their outstanding work". 
 
Blanchett and Yeoh were nominated for best actress, along with Ana de Armas and Michelle Williams. But Deadwyler and Davis - who are both black - did not make the shortlist. 
 
Tuesday's statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences added, "The purpose of the Academy's campaign regulations is to ensure a fair and ethical awards process - these are core values of the Academy. 
"Given this review, it is apparent that components of the regulations must be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive, and unbiased campaigning. 
 
"These changes will be made after this awards cycle and will be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an environment where votes are based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible films and achievements."

The Academy has decided that British actress Andrea Riseborough can keep her nomination but added that the tactics she used in her film's campaign 'caused concern'.

The Academy has decided that British actress Andrea Riseborough can keep her nomination but added that the tactics she used in her film's campaign 'caused concern'. Andrea was an outsider for a nomination but was backed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and Edward Norton. The Academy, which organises Oscar awards each year, has now reviewed whether the campaign broke its rules. It concluded that the issues did "not rise to the level that the film's nomination should be rescinded". Academy chief executive Bill Kramer added in a statement, "However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being addressed with the responsible parties directly." The Academy has not named those "responsible parties". Andrea has not been accused of wrongdoing. The actress was nominated for her role in 'To Leslie', a low-budget film in which she plays an alcoholic mother from Texas who tries to make ends meet after squandering her lottery winnings. Andrea's name in the nomination list came as a surprise to many as she was not in the awards radar unlike this year's favourites Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh. However, some high-profile fans voiced their admiration on social media and even hosted screenings which cemented Andrea's spot in the best actress category at Oscars 2023. The question of whether the campaign broke Academy guidelines is believed to have come down to a few specific posts that not only championed Andrea Riseborough but also made reference to her competitors - which is not allowed. One since-deleted Instagram post that has been under the spotlight was published by the official 'To Leslie' account. It quoted Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times, who wrote: "As much as I admired (Cate) Blanchett's work in Tár, my favourite performance by a woman this year was delivered by the chameleonlike Andrea Riseborough." While the critic was not wrong in making the comparison, it was unlawful for the film to highlight the comparison on social media handles. Similarly, actress Frances Fisher, who has appeared in 'Titanic' and 'Gone In 60 Seconds', lobbied for Andrea while implying Blanchett, Michelle Yeoh, Danielle Deadwyler and Viola Davis did not need more support because they were "a lock for their outstanding work". Blanchett and Yeoh were nominated for best actress, along with Ana de Armas and Michelle Williams. But Deadwyler and Davis - who are both black - did not make the shortlist. Tuesday's statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences added, "The purpose of the Academy's campaign regulations is to ensure a fair and ethical awards process - these are core values of the Academy. "Given this review, it is apparent that components of the regulations must be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive, and unbiased campaigning. "These changes will be made after this awards cycle and will be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an environment where votes are based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible films and achievements."

Andrea Riseborough's nomination will not be stripped by the Oscars

Will Smith, who won the Best Actor Oscar this year, has been banned from all Academy events by the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage during the Oscars 2022 for a joke on his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and now&nbsp;faces a ban for 10 years.&nbsp; 
 
The decision was announced by the Academy via a statement on Friday."Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith's actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards," president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in the statement. 
 
The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting held on Friday in Los Angeles. The meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was expedited after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week.

OPINION|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/will-smith-should-apologise-to-all-for-spoiling-the-oscars-with-his-toxic-masculinity-466686" hreflang="en">Will Smith should apologise to all for spoiling Oscars 2022 with his toxic masculinity</a>

"The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage. During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room," the letter stated. 
 
"For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short -- unprepared for the unprecedented," David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/academy-accepts-will-smiths-resignation-over-chris-rock-slap-says-disciplinary-proceedings-will-continue-467605" hreflang="en">Academy accepts Will Smith's resignation over Chris Rock slap, says, disciplinary proceedings will continue</a>

Rock came on stage to present the best documentary feature award at the 2022 Oscars, and made a joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith`s shaved head and compared it to Demi Moore's bald head in 'G.I. Jane 2'. The joke led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, "Keep my wife's name out of your fu**ing mouth!" 
 
Moments later, Smith won his first Oscar for his performance in 'King Richard'. During his acceptance speech, the actor apologised to the Academy and fellow nominees but did not mention Rock.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-post-2022-oscars-slap-gate-netflix-puts-will-smiths-new-film-on-hold-468591" hreflang="en">Post 2022 Oscars slap gate, Netflix puts Will Smith's new film on hold</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-smith-refused-to-leave-oscars-academy-says-as-it-weighs-discipline-467028" hreflang="en">Will Smith refused to leave Oscars, reveals Academy as it weighs disciplinary action</a> 
 
However, after receiving backlash for his disorderly behaviour, Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock and Academy on his social media handle. 
 
On March 29, there was a short virtual meeting between Smith, Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, was initiated by Smith. A few hours later, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, claiming he "willfully accept any and all consequences for my conduct."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/august-alsina-gives-details-of-his-entanglement-with-jada-pinkett-smith-in-a-new-song-468816" hreflang="en">August Alsina gives details of his 'entanglement' with Jada Pinkett Smith in a new song</a>

Will Smith, who won the Best Actor Oscar this year, has been banned from all Academy events by the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Will Smith, who won the Best Actor Oscar this year, has been banned from all Academy events by the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage during the Oscars 2022 for a joke on his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and now faces a ban for 10 years. The decision was announced by the Academy via a statement on Friday."Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith's actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards," president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in the statement. The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting held on Friday in Los Angeles. The meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was expedited after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week. OPINION| Will Smith should apologise to all for spoiling Oscars 2022 with his toxic masculinity "The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage. During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room," the letter stated. "For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short -- unprepared for the unprecedented," David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson added. Academy accepts Will Smith's resignation over Chris Rock slap, says, disciplinary proceedings will continue Rock came on stage to present the best documentary feature award at the 2022 Oscars, and made a joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith`s shaved head and compared it to Demi Moore's bald head in 'G.I. Jane 2'. The joke led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, "Keep my wife's name out of your fu**ing mouth!" Moments later, Smith won his first Oscar for his performance in 'King Richard'. During his acceptance speech, the actor apologised to the Academy and fellow nominees but did not mention Rock. Post 2022 Oscars slap gate, Netflix puts Will Smith's new film on hold Will Smith refused to leave Oscars, reveals Academy as it weighs disciplinary action However, after receiving backlash for his disorderly behaviour, Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock and Academy on his social media handle. On March 29, there was a short virtual meeting between Smith, Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, was initiated by Smith. A few hours later, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, claiming he "willfully accept any and all consequences for my conduct." Also read: August Alsina gives details of his 'entanglement' with Jada Pinkett Smith in a new song

Academy bans Will Smith from the Oscars for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has moved up its meeting to discuss possible sanctions against best actor winner Will Smith for slapping presenter Chris Rock to Friday, a letter from the group's president said. 
 
The board of governors of the organization, the group that hands out the Academy Awards, previously had been scheduled on April 18 to discuss the incident at last month's Oscars ceremony. 
 
Smith resigned from the academy on Friday and said he would accept whatever consequences the group decided were appropriate. 
 
Because Smith resigned, the academy no longer needs to follow the legally prescribed timetable to consider the matter, academy President David Rubin said in a letter to members. 
 
"It is in the best interest of all involved for this to be handled in a timely fashion," Rubin said. 
 
Possible actions could include making Smith ineligible for future awards or banning him from future Oscars ceremonies. 
 
At the March 27 televised event, Smith strode up to the stage after comedian Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith`s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, then smacked Rock across the face. 
 
Less than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the best actor award for his role in 'King Richard.' After the ceremony, he was seen dancing at Vanity Fair's annual post-Oscars party. 
 
Rock's joke about Smith`s spouse made a reference to the 1997 film 'G.I. Jane'&nbsp;in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has moved up its meeting to discuss possible sanctions against best actor winner Will Smith for slapping presenter Chris Rock to Friday, a letter from the group's president said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has moved up its meeting to discuss possible sanctions against best actor winner Will Smith for slapping presenter Chris Rock to Friday, a letter from the group's president said. The board of governors of the organization, the group that hands out the Academy Awards, previously had been scheduled on April 18 to discuss the incident at last month's Oscars ceremony. Smith resigned from the academy on Friday and said he would accept whatever consequences the group decided were appropriate. Because Smith resigned, the academy no longer needs to follow the legally prescribed timetable to consider the matter, academy President David Rubin said in a letter to members. "It is in the best interest of all involved for this to be handled in a timely fashion," Rubin said. Possible actions could include making Smith ineligible for future awards or banning him from future Oscars ceremonies. At the March 27 televised event, Smith strode up to the stage after comedian Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith`s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, then smacked Rock across the face. Less than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the best actor award for his role in 'King Richard.' After the ceremony, he was seen dancing at Vanity Fair's annual post-Oscars party. Rock's joke about Smith`s spouse made a reference to the 1997 film 'G.I. Jane' in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

Film academy moves up discussion of Will Smith slap to Friday

A lot is going to change with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before they organise the next year’s Oscars. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a> governing body is making a drastic change in its 54-person board of governors. This is the result of this year’s Academy board elections that took place last month.&nbsp;

In a major change, for the first time in the organisation’s 94-year history, the majority of the board will be female -- from 26 to 31. Also the number of underrepresented racial/ethnic communities is up by 25 per cent -- from 12 to 15.

Some of them on the board for 2021-2022 cycle: Kate Amend, Craig Barron, Howard Berger, Charles Bernstein, Jon Bloom, Rob Bredow, Ruth E. Carter, Kevin Collier, Laura Dern, Teri E. Dorman, Dody J. Dorn, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Donna Gigliotti, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Mark Johnson, Larry Karaszewski, Laura Karpman, Christina Kounelias, Ellen Kuras, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Jan Pascale, Stephen Rivkin, Eric Roth, David Rubin, Steven Spielberg, Wynn P. Thomas, Nancy Utley, Mandy Walker, Roger Ross Williams, Janet Yang and Debra Zane.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-to-again-allow-movies-on-ott-platforms-to-compete-for-honours-announces-ceremony-date-for-2022-387898" hreflang="en">Oscars to again allow movies on OTT platforms to compete for honours, announces ceremony date for 2022</a>

A lot is going to change with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before they organise the next year’s Oscars. The Oscars governing body is making a drastic change in its 54-person board of governors.

A lot is going to change with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before they organise the next year’s Oscars. The Oscars governing body is making a drastic change in its 54-person board of governors. This is the result of this year’s Academy board elections that took place last month. In a major change, for the first time in the organisation’s 94-year history, the majority of the board will be female -- from 26 to 31. Also the number of underrepresented racial/ethnic communities is up by 25 per cent -- from 12 to 15. Some of them on the board for 2021-2022 cycle: Kate Amend, Craig Barron, Howard Berger, Charles Bernstein, Jon Bloom, Rob Bredow, Ruth E. Carter, Kevin Collier, Laura Dern, Teri E. Dorman, Dody J. Dorn, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Donna Gigliotti, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Mark Johnson, Larry Karaszewski, Laura Karpman, Christina Kounelias, Ellen Kuras, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Jan Pascale, Stephen Rivkin, Eric Roth, David Rubin, Steven Spielberg, Wynn P. Thomas, Nancy Utley, Mandy Walker, Roger Ross Williams, Janet Yang and Debra Zane. Oscars to again allow movies on OTT platforms to compete for honours, announces ceremony date for 2022

Oscars: Academy board to have female majority for the first time in 94 years

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday. 
 
In the past few years, some 800-950 actors, directors, cinematographer`s, producers and other film makers from around the world have been invited each year to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 
 
"This year`s growth in membership will be limited to roughly half that of recent years," the Academy said in a statement, adding that recent annual growth of 10% was straining its resources. 
 
Reducing the number of newcomers would allow the organization to better serve existing members, it said. 
 
The Academy said last year it had exceeded a goal it set in response to the #OscarsSoWhite scandal in 2016 of doubling the number of women and people of color in its ranks. 
 
On Wednesday, it said it was committed to a range of programs aimed at increasing "equity and inclusion in the stories told through film." 
 
This year`s Academy Awards, held in April, were the most diverse in years. Nine of the 20 acting nominations went to people of color. 
Chinese-born Chloe Zhao won for best director, Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya took the supporting actor Oscar and South Korea`s Youn Yuh-jung won in the supporting actress field. 
 
The names of new members invited to join the Academy are traditionally released in June. 
&nbsp;

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday.

The drive to expand the number of film professionals who vote on the annual Oscar winners will slow down in 2021 after several years of rapid growth aimed at increasing diversity, the Film Academy said on Wednesday. In the past few years, some 800-950 actors, directors, cinematographer`s, producers and other film makers from around the world have been invited each year to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "This year`s growth in membership will be limited to roughly half that of recent years," the Academy said in a statement, adding that recent annual growth of 10% was straining its resources. Reducing the number of newcomers would allow the organization to better serve existing members, it said. The Academy said last year it had exceeded a goal it set in response to the #OscarsSoWhite scandal in 2016 of doubling the number of women and people of color in its ranks. On Wednesday, it said it was committed to a range of programs aimed at increasing "equity and inclusion in the stories told through film." This year`s Academy Awards, held in April, were the most diverse in years. Nine of the 20 acting nominations went to people of color. Chinese-born Chloe Zhao won for best director, Black British actor Daniel Kaluuya took the supporting actor Oscar and South Korea`s Youn Yuh-jung won in the supporting actress field. The names of new members invited to join the Academy are traditionally released in June.

Oscar body slows down on adding new members, but reaffirms diversity goals

Bill Mechanic stepped down from the post of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences board of governors stating that the board has “failed the organisation”.&nbsp;

In his letter of resignation, The Hacksaw Ridge producer wrote about reacting to pressure, not handling the issue of inclusivity properly and more.

He started with expressing his "great love and respect for the Academy" while going on to accuse it of allowing itself "to be blamed for things way beyond our control and then try to do things which are not in our purview (sexual harassment, discrimination in the industry). We have settled on numeric answers to the problem of inclusion, barely recognizing that this is the Industry’s problem far, far more than it is the Academy’s.”

He added, "Instead we react to pressure. One Governor even went as far as suggesting we don’t admit a single white male to the Academy, regardless of merit!"

An Academy spokesperson thanked Bill for his years of service representing members of the Executives Branch. Bill, however, minced no words in his resignation letter sent to AMPAS President John Bailey.

This is the full letter:&nbsp;

Dear John,

There’s a moment when if you fail to make an impact, the right thing to do is make for the exits. After Saturday’s meeting, I’m at that moment and I respectfully must resign from the Board of Governors.

I have a great love and respect for the Academy. I grew up loving movies and watching the Academy Awards, never dreaming of being a nominee, producing the show, and certainly not becoming a Governor. Eventually, all of these things actually came to pass and it was exciting when I was originally elected to the Board, serving with so many distinguished legends side-by-side in a non-hierarchical environment.

I left the Board after one term but decided to run again a couple of years ago when many of the decisions of the Board seemed to me to be reactive rather than considered. I felt I could help provide some perspective and guidance.

But it’s exceedingly clear to me since returning to the Board that things have changed and there is now a fractured environment which does not allow for a unified, strategically sound, vision. I haven’t had any real impact, so now it’s time to leave.

I feel I have failed the organization. I feel we have failed the organization.

We have settled on numeric answers to the problem of inclusion, barely recognizing that this is the Industry’s problem far, far more than it is the Academy’s. Instead, we react to pressure. One Governor even went as far as suggesting we don’t admit a single white male to the Academy, regardless of merit!

We have failed to the move the Oscars into the modern age, despite decades of increased competition and declining ratings. Instead, we have kept to the same number of awards, which inherently means a long and boring show, and over the past decade we have nominated so many smaller independent films that the Oscars feel like they should be handed out in a tent. Big is not inherently bad and small is not inherently good. Moving into the modern age does not mean competing with the Emmys for non-theatrical features.

We have failed to solve the problems of the Museum, which is ridiculously over its initial budget and way past its original opening date. Despite having the best of the best inside the Academy membership, we have ignored the input of our Governors and our members.

We have failed our employees. Over the past seven years, we have watched dedicated employees of the Academy be driven out or leave out of frustration. Certainly, some freshening of an organization is a good thing, but that doesn’t seem the case here this seems more like a “purge” to stifle debate and support management as opposed to the needs of the Academy.

We have failed to provide leadership. Yes, that includes the Presidency, which with a one year term creates instability, but moreover, the CEO role has become much broader and far-reaching, and the results are erratic at best. It also includes 54 Board of Governors, which is so large it makes decision-making difficult and makes it way too easy for the silent majority to stay silent.

Many of the problems I’m talking about come not from malfeasance but rather from the silence of too many Governors. A vocal few people are insistent that the problems are not really problems or would be too damaging to the Academy to admit. Not facing your problems means you are not addressing those issues and, guess what, problems don’t go away — they simmer under the surface and, if anything, get worse.

You can’t hide the drainage of employees, the cataclysmic decline in the Oscar ratings, the fact that no popular film has won in over a decade that we decided to play Moral Police and most probably someone inside the Academy leaked confidential information in order to compromise the President that the Board doesn’t feel their voice is being heard with regard to the Museum that we have allowed the Academy to be blamed for things way beyond our control and then try to do things which are not in our purview (sexual harassment, discrimination in the Industry).

Perhaps I’m wrong about all of this and if so my resignation will simply make things better. If that’s the case, so be it. If it’s not, then I truly hope the majority of Governors will take action. Check in with our membership and get their input. If they respond as many have with me, then change the leadership of the Academy and put the Academy’s interests above any personal likes or dislikes.

Respectfully,

Bill Mechanic

&nbsp;

In his resignation letter, Bill wrote, "We settled on numeric answers to the problem of inclusion, barely recognizing that this is the Industry’s problem far, far more than it is the Academy’s."

Bill Mechanic stepped down from the post of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences board of governors stating that the board has “failed the organisation”. In his letter of resignation, The Hacksaw Ridge producer wrote about reacting to pressure, not handling the issue of inclusivity properly and more. He started with expressing his "great love and respect for the Academy" while going on to accuse it of allowing itself "to be blamed for things way beyond our control and then try to do things which are not in our purview (sexual harassment, discrimination in the industry). We have settled on numeric answers to the problem of inclusion, barely recognizing that this is the Industry’s problem far, far more than it is the Academy’s.” He added, "Instead we react to pressure. One Governor even went as far as suggesting we don’t admit a single white male to the Academy, regardless of merit!" An Academy spokesperson thanked Bill for his years of service representing members of the Executives Branch. Bill, however, minced no words in his resignation letter sent to AMPAS President John Bailey. This is the full letter: Dear John, There’s a moment when if you fail to make an impact, the right thing to do is make for the exits. After Saturday’s meeting, I’m at that moment and I respectfully must resign from the Board of Governors. I have a great love and respect for the Academy. I grew up loving movies and watching the Academy Awards, never dreaming of being a nominee, producing the show, and certainly not becoming a Governor. Eventually, all of these things actually came to pass and it was exciting when I was originally elected to the Board, serving with so many distinguished legends side-by-side in a non-hierarchical environment. I left the Board after one term but decided to run again a couple of years ago when many of the decisions of the Board seemed to me to be reactive rather than considered. I felt I could help provide some perspective and guidance. But it’s exceedingly clear to me since returning to the Board that things have changed and there is now a fractured environment which does not allow for a unified, strategically sound, vision. I haven’t had any real impact, so now it’s time to leave. I feel I have failed the organization. I feel we have failed the organization. We have settled on numeric answers to the problem of inclusion, barely recognizing that this is the Industry’s problem far, far more than it is the Academy’s. Instead, we react to pressure. One Governor even went as far as suggesting we don’t admit a single white male to the Academy, regardless of merit! We have failed to the move the Oscars into the modern age, despite decades of increased competition and declining ratings. Instead, we have kept to the same number of awards, which inherently means a long and boring show, and over the past decade we have nominated so many smaller independent films that the Oscars feel like they should be handed out in a tent. Big is not inherently bad and small is not inherently good. Moving into the modern age does not mean competing with the Emmys for non-theatrical features. We have failed to solve the problems of the Museum, which is ridiculously over its initial budget and way past its original opening date. Despite having the best of the best inside the Academy membership, we have ignored the input of our Governors and our members. We have failed our employees. Over the past seven years, we have watched dedicated employees of the Academy be driven out or leave out of frustration. Certainly, some freshening of an organization is a good thing, but that doesn’t seem the case here this seems more like a “purge” to stifle debate and support management as opposed to the needs of the Academy. We have failed to provide leadership. Yes, that includes the Presidency, which with a one year term creates instability, but moreover, the CEO role has become much broader and far-reaching, and the results are erratic at best. It also includes 54 Board of Governors, which is so large it makes decision-making difficult and makes it way too easy for the silent majority to stay silent. Many of the problems I’m talking about come not from malfeasance but rather from the silence of too many Governors. A vocal few people are insistent that the problems are not really problems or would be too damaging to the Academy to admit. Not facing your problems means you are not addressing those issues and, guess what, problems don’t go away — they simmer under the surface and, if anything, get worse. You can’t hide the drainage of employees, the cataclysmic decline in the Oscar ratings, the fact that no popular film has won in over a decade that we decided to play Moral Police and most probably someone inside the Academy leaked confidential information in order to compromise the President that the Board doesn’t feel their voice is being heard with regard to the Museum that we have allowed the Academy to be blamed for things way beyond our control and then try to do things which are not in our purview (sexual harassment, discrimination in the Industry). Perhaps I’m wrong about all of this and if so my resignation will simply make things better. If that’s the case, so be it. If it’s not, then I truly hope the majority of Governors will take action. Check in with our membership and get their input. If they respond as many have with me, then change the leadership of the Academy and put the Academy’s interests above any personal likes or dislikes. Respectfully, Bill Mechanic

Academy member resigns from board, says 'we have failed the organisation'