Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Kevin Hart. Black man in black and red striped shirt and black jeans sits on brown stool and speaks into black microphone in front of light pink wall with white text

Sameer Rao Dec 5, 2018 3:14PM EST

Indigenous Critics Not Pleased That Kevin Hart Will Host Oscars

The comedian faces backlash for throwing a “cowboys and Indians” party for his son’s first birthday.

Cicely Tyson. Black woman with black hair in silver outfit and light grey gloves holds gold Oscar statue in front of black woman in green outfit and man in black and white tuxedo and purple and brown screens

Sameer Rao Nov 19, 2018 12:35PM EST

Watch Cecily Tyson Accept Honorary Oscar

The 93-year-old Hollywood veteran reflected on her decades of work in the entertainment industry while accepting a special gold statue at the 10th Annual Governors Awards.

April Reign. Black woman with twists in her hair, large hoop earrings, maroon shirt and black jacket sits on television news set

Kenrya Rankin Mar 5, 2018 1:37PM EST

#OscarsSoWhite Creator April Reign: 'The Oscars Are Still So White'

“The fact that we are still talking about firsts is a problem.”

Black man in white tuxedo and black glasses smiles while holding gold award statue in front of black and white and gold background

Sameer Rao Mar 5, 2018 10:15AM EST

How Artists of Color Made Race Matter at the 90th Oscars

#OscarsALittleLessWhite?

Black man in grey suit and tie sits next to Black man in turquoise tuxedo and black tie next to Black man in navy suit and tie behind green and gold champagne bottles on yellow tablecloth

Sameer Rao Jan 23, 2018 11:57AM EST

'Get Out,' 'Strong Island' Earn 2018 Oscar Nominations

Here are the artists of color and race-focused films to follow at this year’s Academy Awards.

Black woman in black-and-white dress holds hand of Black woman in black, red and white dress in front of Black man in black and white tuxedo on red carpet

Sameer Rao Jun 29, 2017 1:03PM EDT

Academy Builds on Diversity Drive With 30 Percent-POC Class of 2017

The Academy broke induction records with 774 new members, 232 of whom inched up its percentage of people of color from 11 to 13 percent.

Black woman in brown blouse and black pants seated in off-white chair on black stage in front of purple, pink and blue background with white text and symbol

Sameer Rao Mar 14, 2017 12:40PM EDT

Cheryl Boone Isaacs at SxSW: Hollywood Diversity Depends on 'Hiring, Mentoring, Promoting'

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president discussed post-#OscarsSoWhite inclusion efforts in a conversation with “Hidden Figures” screenwriter Allison Schroeder at South by Southwest.

Six Black women and men standing against light blue background with dark blue text, with one Black man holding gold statue and one Black woman wearing a gold gown

Sameer Rao Jan 24, 2017 11:18AM EST

'Moonlight,' 'Fences' and Actors of Color Make Oscar History

Viola Davis, Mahershala Ali and four others round out the most diverse Academy Awards acting nominee pool ever.

Greyscale footage of Black man in black suit with white shirt and black tie against black background

Sameer Rao Dec 7, 2016 1:21PM EST

'I Am Not Your Negro,' '13th' and 'O.J.: Made in America' Shortlisted for Oscar Doc Nominations

Will one of these projects win an Oscar in January?

Michael B. Jordan in white shirt with orange and green background; America Ferrera with beige dress and off-white background

Sameer Rao Jun 30, 2016 12:59PM EDT

Academy Responds to #OscarsSoWhite Criticism With 683 New Members

The 2016 class, which includes America Ferrera and Michael B. Jordan, is 46 percent female and 41 percent people of color.

Sameer Rao Mar 16, 2016 12:20PM EDT

Academy Apologizes After Ang Lee, Others Condemn Oscars' 'Tone-Deaf' Anti-Asian Jokes

“It pains us that any aspect of the show was considered offensive, and I apologize for any hurt the skits caused,” wrote Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in a letter to 25 Asian Academy members who condemned the telecast’s jokes.