The requirements that the Academy established three years ago in an effort to ensure more diversity in the industry have not been without controversy. The new figure to pronounce on the matter is Richard Dreyfussactor in movies like the goodbye girl (1977) and Shark (1975), who said he was against the new diversity rules of the Oscars.
Richard Dreyfuss on diversity at the Oscars
In his recent participation in the program Firing Line With Margaret HooverDreyfuss mentioned (via) that he does not agree with the new diversity requirements established by the Oscars and that he does not believe them necessary.
“It’s art. No one should tell me as an artist that I have to give in to the latest, new idea of what morality is. What are we risking? Are we really risking hurting people’s feelings? You can’t legislate that. You have to let life be life. Sorry, I don’t think there is a minority or majority in the country that should be pandered to like this.”, said the actor on the PBS show.
New diversity standards
The aforementioned diversity requirements were announced since 2020 and will come into effect as of the 2024 edition of the Oscars. All films that want to be considered for the Best Film shortlist must meet 2 of the 4 established requirements that seek for members of different minorities to find a place within the film industry.
The four standards for qualifying for the Academy Awards are: expansion of representation, in themes or on-screen narrative; expand representation among creative leadership and department heads; provide industry access and opportunities to underrepresented demographic groups; and expand representation in audience development.
In the same interview, Dreyfuss continued to defend his position and spoke about the interpretation of Laurence Olivier in othello (1965), in which the actor starred doing black face.
“[Olivier] he played a black man brilliantly. Are you telling me that I will never get the chance to play a black man? Is anyone else being told that if they’re not Jewish they can’t perform? [en] The merchant of Venice? We are crazy? This is so condescending. He is so inconsiderate and treats people like children.”, added the also protagonist of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).
It might also interest you: Stephen King creates controversy over diversity at the Oscar.
What do you think of the new Academy requirements?
Andrea Alexandra The girl with the mole next to her mouth, with wavy hair and who keeps talking about movies and series; that’s her.