July 7, 2024
Oscars Eliminating Best Actor, Actress & Replace With Gender Neutral Awards?
by RVM ENTERTAINMENT STAFF
rvmnews.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is mulling over a controversial modification to the iconic Oscars ceremony by considering the replacement of the best actor and best actress categories with gender-neutral awards.
CEO Bill Kramer revealed in a recent interview with Variety that the Academy is in the early stages of exploring this significant change, inspired by the trend of gender-neutral categories being implemented at various awards shows such as the Grammys, MTV Movie & TV Awards, Gotham Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards.
While the idea has gained support from nonbinary performers like Emma Corrin and Asia Kate Dillon, who advocate for more inclusive award categories, it has also sparked backlash from critics, including film critic Christian Toto and actresses Patricia Arquette and Jamie Lee Curtis. They argue that gender-neutral awards may negatively impact women, especially given the existing gender disparities in other nonacting categories at the Oscars.
Notably, the Oscars already feature gender-neutral nonacting categories such as directing, writing, and producing, but these categories have also been predominantly occupied by men, as cited by the Women’s Media Center, which reported that men received 78 percent of Oscar nominations in these fields over the past 17 years.
Kramer emphasized that the potential changes to the Oscars are part of the Academy’s efforts to adapt to the evolving media landscape and ensure its relevance as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028. “The academy sits in two worlds: the film industry and the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Both are undergoing radical shifts in their business models right now. We need to diversify our support to ensure we thrive for the next century,” he stated.
As the debate over gender-neutral awards continues to unfold, it’s clear that the potential alteration to the Oscars is not just about honoring outstanding achievements in film, but also reflects the broader societal shifts and discussions taking place in the entertainment industry.
http://www.rvmnews.com/2024/07/oscars-eliminating-best-actor-actress-replace-with-gender-neutral-awards/
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