A number of Asian and Asian Americans have been added as voting members of the Oscars, Hollywood’s most prestigious prize, reports Variety.
Among the most recognizable names are actors Steve Yeun (Minari) and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians), and Best Original Song winner, H.E.R. (Judas and the Black Messiah).
In all, 39% of the 395 new members are from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
A number of people connected to Minari, this year’s winner for Best Picture, have been added to the voting rolls. They include Best Director winner Lee Isaac Chung, Best Supporting Actress winner Yuh-Jung Youn, film editor Harry Yoon, Best Picture winner and producer Christina Oh, actress Ye-ri Han and composer Emile Mosseri.
The Academy also invited director Cathy Yan (Birds of Prey).
Diversifying the voting rolls has clearly worked to increase the number of winners of color. This year
Deadline reports the number of Best Picture nominees will once again increase to a set number of 10 in an effort to increase the recognition of box office hits and perhaps increase dwindling ratings. Recent rules allowed between 5 and 10 nominees, depending on vote totals.
This year, Asian and Black nominees were well represented on Oscar night.
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I sincerely hope that this works because enough is enough.