The Academy Awards' governing body is diversifying the group's membership, its president said on Tuesday, following recent criticism that it is dominated by white, elderly men.
The academy, which represents filmmakers around the world, has come under fire this year for selecting a membership unrepresentative of the cultural diversity of the international film community.
"It is something we are addressing. In the last few years we are making great strides in diversify our membership," said Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, while speaking to the press on the eve of her keynote speech at the 20th Busan International Film Festival.
Boone Isaacs said she welcomed the issue being raised because "we are seeing a change. It could be quicker but we are seeing it".
This year five Korean filmmakers were among 322 new members admitted to the academy - the largest influx ever to its membership of around 7,000 - as it seeks to better represent the industry in North America and around the world, she added.
Boone Isaacs is the third woman and first African American to lead the academy in its 88-year history.
"The academy has always been interested in the international filmmaker, however recently we have really stepped up the effort to recognise talent from around the world," she said.
Critics of the academy, including, African-American civil rights groups, have protested that the body's voting members are overwhelmingly white and have an average age of over 60.
Boone Isaacs also said her organisation was keeping an eye on how the medium of film was adapting to new technology.
"Every year at the academy we review the rules and regulations and nowadays motion pictures can be seen on your phone, on your computer, or it can be see with 300 or 400 people in a movie theatre," she said.
The president added that she could see by the wide range of films on offer in Busan that it was an "exciting time" to be involved in cinema.
"Around the world I think we are gong to see a growth in motion pictures and visual story telling," said Boone Isaacs. "And right now Asia is absolutely at the forefront."
Boone Isaacs said her keynote address at BIFF would be designed to explain the work the organisation does apart from staging the annual Academy Awards, while "opening up a dialogue between the academy and film communities around the world".
AFP RELAXNEWS
Tue Oct 06 2015
Cheryl Boone Isaacs speaking at the Oscars Foreign Language Film Award Reception on Feb 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. - AFP Photo/Robyn Beck
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.