The Oscars are finally making some long overdue moves by adding a diversity requirement for all future years of nominations. And thankfully, they're already making significant progress with their new criteria for best picture eligibility.
On September 8, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that each film must meet at least two of four requirements, which explain that a certain percentage of cast members, behind-the-scenes staff, trainees and marketing teams must include minority groups, such as people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Women were also included as an underrepresented group in the new requirement.
Filmmakers will have to meet these guidelines starting 2024, which means that the rules won't apply for the 2021 Oscars. However, in 2022 and 2023, all candidates will need to submit a "confidential Academy Inclusion Standards form" before they're considered.
In response to the controversial #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences assembled a task force strictly dedicated to establishing new inclusion standards for the awards show. The organization revealed that each nomination will need to meet certain eligibility requirements, so in the near future, we can expect to see more guidelines for other categories.