Does the Academy have a responsibility to foster change in the film industry?
It should reflect the people who work in this industry.
NIECY NASH (ACTORS BRANCH):We all do.
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People want to see themselves and know that they matter.
That’s not fair.
If we show them gender violence or stereotypical cultural representations, we’ll damage their ability to reflect….
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It is all about representation and power.
How can the Oscars' diversity initiatives effect real change, and not just be performative?
[That film] is performative.
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It’s useless after a while.
you’re free to’t make those decisions if you’re just standing in front and singing songs.
PARK SO DAM (ACTORS BRANCH):Being invited and joining the academy itself is like a dream.
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You’re adding to the sauce, but there’s still so much in there that was already established.
It’s just like putting a little bit of salt or in my case, pepper in the sauce.
How much will it change the flavor profile instantly?
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It remains to be seen.
We need to build the pipeline of talent that our industry demands.
LULU WANG (DIRECTORS BRANCH):I was accepted into the directors' branch.
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I felt that my vote would be more valuable…. ## How did a lack of representation at the Oscars affect you earlier in your career?
We see man after man get the majority of the nominations amid a general lack of diversity.
I automatically know as a woman of color I have to be exponentially better so that be seen.
That’s not just in entertainment, that’s period.
When I entered the world of cinema, this feeling got worse.
I guess that says a lot about the long way to go.
We also have to start talking about what people are making.
What are the rules?
What makes you viable to be nominated for an Oscar?
The films that were being celebrated mostly didn’t include people of color.
When the nominees are announced, I don’t really think twice or blink at it.
As I grew up and began listening to people’s experiences, I started learning more.
I’m glad that people are being vocal, because it’s a vital education for me, too.
How will the Academy’s expansion of Best Picture to a firm 10 nominees impact representation?
That has an effect on the industry.
Should Best Director and other categories expand to 10 nominees for more inclusion?
The director is responsible for all of those people.
That was completely shocking.
Addingmoreisn’t the solution: Let’s give that space that wasearnedby her.
We’re not checking a box.
I don’t think women and people of color want a handout.
WANG:I think it should expand.
There’s no reason not to….
It almost feels intentional to leave out those last few.
Who do you think made that picture?
If it’s 10 Best Picture, it should be the same number of directors.
What does Parasite winning Best Picture means for the future of Academy inclusion?
WU:I loved watchingParasitein theaters.
I loved a lot of the Best Picture-nominated films this year, butParasitewas undoubtedly the best.
It made me feel very happy thatthebest picture won Best Picture.
LONGORIA:It’s not just an award.
Getting an Academy Award opens doors.
It’s life-changing for some.
It’s more than a piece of metal.
KWAK:The “Oscar winner” title helped increase the number of admissions by a significant amount.
In other words,Parasitewas able to break audiences out of their viewing habits.
It was a moment of pride and pride in Korean culture and art.
I thinkParasiteis the starting point, and I hope more Korean films will be noticed in the future.
HARRISON:It was inspiring and encouraging.
It’s inspiring because they were celebrated and awarded for their great work.
That’s a huge advantage for an American audience.
Do the Oscars need a host, and what other changes should be made to the ceremony?
LONGORIA:I never think these shows need a host!
The host comes out and introduces the other presenters….
Here I am standing here introducing somebody else standing here because they’re going to introduce the winner.
It’s always been an unnecessary step.
NASH:It’s almost like the line to get into heaven.You’ve got to be so above reproach.
There’s so much pressure.Andyou’re talking about having anactorstand up there?
Good luck, Chuck!
If that’s the case, you might as well leave it!
When the pandemic ends, I hope someone will want to host again.
I think everyone who lived through this will have a special appreciation for live performance.
OLSKY:What’s the best way to say, “Why wasEminem up there?”
It’s not even just adiversityquestion, it’s a taste question.
Was that meant to be young and relevant?
That’s the general idea.
I prefer [a host].
It gives it a little oomph.
There’ve been terrible shows with hosts, but last year’s show seemed just fine without one.
HARRISON:I enjoy the show either way.
People argue about whether it’s too long or short.
I enjoy the Oscars however they choose to give me the Oscars.
We get a choice, so if you don’t like it, tune out!
Can the Academy diversify preferences when it comes to film genres?
I was surprised we were nominated [forHarriet] this year.
That’s you using your innate instrument to bring people to a place of joy.
We will make efforts to introduce and promote colorful Korean films and to be loved more by the world.
Which 2020 films have your Oscar-focused attention so far?
So I’ve only seenEurovision,which I enjoyed.Dan Stevenshad me doubling over with laughter.
He was so great in that role that you forget that he also played Matthew inDownton Abbey.
ELBAUM:I loved Eliza Hittman’sNever Rarely Sometimes Always.
It’s a gem.
There’s another movie coming soon by a wonderful director, Radha Blank,The 40-Year-Old Version.
It’s shot in black and white on 35mm.
LONGORIA:Penelope Cruzand Edgar Ramirez inWasp internet.
Penelope blew it out of the water with her Cuban accent.
It had my Cuban friends saying, “Is she from Cuba?
“Edgar Ramirezis stunning.
it’s possible for you to’t take your eyes off him as an actor.
The whole cast is phenomenal.
The storytelling, the delineation of that script, the twist….
It’s a story that nobody knows about and nobody cared about.
Like, why do I care about five Cuban spies that were against the United States?
[Olivier Assayas] did a great job.
I’ve also seenFirst Cow, but this was before quarantine.
