Academy president calls on Hollywood to bring about 'vital changes' in the industry

The Academy Awards didn't shy away from addressing the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, with host Chris Rock tackling it head on and Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, announcing that it was up to the "ambassadors" of Hollywood to create movies that "accurately reflect the world today."

After thanking this year's nominees for their "artistry and skills," Isaacs, the first black president of the Academy, said it was time to "talk about the future" of Hollywood. "The Oscars celebrate the storytellers who have the opportunity to work in the powerful medium of film and with that opportunity comes responsibility," she said.

Because movies hit a global audience "rich with diversity," it's important for "every facet of our industry" to be just as diverse, Isaacs said, adding: "We have a role to play in bringing about vital changes the industry needs...." She called on all people in the audience to do their parts, and reminded them that "change is often difficult, but it's necessary."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up