Oscars criticized for diversity rules as popular films miss best picture nominations

Oscars faces criticism over diversity requirements as mainstream films miss out on best picture nominations.

As the 97th Academy Awards ceremony approaches, many in Hollywood, including voters, are expressing disappointment with the nominations for Best Picture. 

While smaller films like 'Emilia Perez', 'The Brutalist', and 'Anora' are receiving recognition, blockbuster hits such as 'Deadpool & Wolverine' were snubbed, despite grossing over $1.3 billion in 2024. Some members of the Academy’s 9,945 voting body feel that the Oscars have moved away from popular tastes, focusing instead on films that meet specific diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements.

Podcaster and author Raymond Arroyo discussed the frustration among voters, noting how the Academy's new guidelines, introduced last year, require films to fulfill two out of four criteria related to underrepresented groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. This emphasis on "checking boxes" has led to the exclusion of more mainstream films that might otherwise be nominated. "Many voters feel these requirements are disqualifying films that didn't have the creative staff or casting to meet these standards," Arroyo said.

This focus on inclusion has led to growing frustration among voters, with some even opting not to vote at all. Arroyo shared that many voters feel the Oscars have "jumped the shark" and believe the awards show may be nearing its end. "They feel this is the end of the Oscars in some ways," Arroyo explained. "There’s a disconnect between the Academy and the average moviegoer."

This disconnect between voters and the audience is further highlighted by the omission of 'Deadpool & Wolverine', a film that resonated widely with audiences but failed to meet the Academy’s new diversity standards. "If the voters were in touch with the average moviegoer, they would have nominated 'Deadpool & Wolverine'," Arroyo insisted, referencing the film's box office success and popularity among fans. This year, 'Wicked' is one of the few box-office successes among the nominations, while films like 'The Brutalist' and 'Anora' are considered arthouse productions that few viewers have likely seen.

As the ceremony draws near, the controversy surrounding the nominations could affect viewership. Last year’s Oscars saw 19.5 million viewers, a slight increase from 2023, but Arroyo speculated that this year’s ratings might not see a similar boost. "You get the feeling, aside from 'Wicked', there was really nothing that captured the zeitgeist or that people were really inspired by," he said. With fewer mainstream films nominated, the 2024 ceremony may struggle to capture the public’s interest.

Additionally, drama surrounding 'Emilia Perez' star Karla Sofía Gascón, who became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Academy Award, has added to the controversy. Gascón faced backlash after racist and Islamophobic tweets surfaced, leading her to skip the Oscars nominees dinner. Despite her absence, Gascón still plans to attend the ceremony, although her controversy has thrown the film’s chances into question. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

With so many challenges facing the Oscars this year, Arroyo hopes the awards will become more democratic, allowing the audience to have a greater say in the nominations and ultimately in the cultural conversation. "Film is no longer the defining touchstone of culture that it once was," he said. "The ground has shifted, and maybe it’s time for the Oscars to shift with it." As Hollywood evolves, it remains uncertain whether the Oscars can adapt in a way that resonates with both the industry and its global audience.