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Several Irish among 683 people invited to diversify Academy Awards

The organisers of the Academy Awards in the US are extending their membership in the hopes of div...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.42 30 Jun 2016


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Several Irish among 683 people...

Several Irish among 683 people invited to diversify Academy Awards

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.42 30 Jun 2016


Share this article


The organisers of the Academy Awards in the US are extending their membership in the hopes of diversifying the nominees.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 683 artists to join the body.

Among them are Irish directors Lenny Abrahamson, Benjamin Cleary, John Crowley and editor Nathan Nugent.

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Irish producer Ed Guiney, writer Emma Donoghue, animator Nora Twomey and 'The Shore' director Orlagh George also make the list.

Abrahamson, Guiney, Donoghue and Nugent were all involved in the film 'ROOM', which saw actress Brie Larson win the 2016 Oscar for Best Actress.

Larson has also been invited to join the Academy.

The Academy says those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to its membership in 2016.

The list includes actors like Idris Elba, America Ferrera, Vivica Fox, Andrew Garfield, Eva Mendes, and Emma Watson.

Others include casting directors, cinematographers, makeup artists and costume designers.

The make up of the new Academy | Image: AMPAS

Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said: "I am honoured to extend membership invitations to 683 distinguished filmmakers, artists and executives who represent the best in our global film community, and who have made a lasting impact on movie fans everywhere."

"We're proud to welcome these new members to the Academy, and know they view this as an opportunity and not just an invitation, a mission and not just a membership."

"This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today."

"We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry."

The shake-up comes following complaints that this year's ceremony was lacking in diversity, which sparked a #OscarsSoWhite social media campaign.

See the full list of the Academy Award additions here


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