As part of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences A2020 initiative of increasing the number of women of color in its team. The Academy has announced the invitation of 819 artists and executives from 68 countries to join the organization this year. 45% of the new members are notable women of colour and on this groundbreaking list is also our very own Genevieve Nnaji, Nigerian-born British actress, Cynthia Erivo, and others.
In 2016, as part of its A2020 initiative, the Academy promised to at least double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by this year.
Genevieve Nnaji’s Movie Lion Heart was nominated at the most recent edition of the Oscars in the category of Best International Film but was later dropped as a contender for the award.
@genevievennaji had tweeted in response to the invitation “I’m honored to be a member of the family. Thank you @TheAcademy !!”
@cynthiaerivo is also an English actress, singer, and songwriter who had earlier been nominated for two Academy Award for Best Actress ctress and Best Original Song.
Having exceeded its A2020 goals, the Academy now shifts to a new diversity initiative for the next five years, Aperture 2025, which will use Oscar eligibility as a wedge to encourage Hollywood producers and executives to follow inclusion standards set by the Academy, or risk not being Oscar eligible.
The Academy is a global community of more than 9,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film.
We heartily celebrate and congratulate these trail blazing African Women whose excellence has contributed to the breaking of this barrier and longingly look forward to other gender, ethnic, racial and similarly sponsored limitations being quashed soonest.
Congratulations to these ladies! More wins on Inclusion and Diversity ?
