Patch Blog: The Oscars--Entertainment But Not Equality for All

My favorite non-sporting event on television is almost upon us. No, I'm not referring to the latest "Mob Wives Sit-down." I refer to the Academy Awards. I really look forward to this show, which is ironic, because I seldom actually get to see that many of the films nominated before the telecast. Nonetheless, it's always fun to watch. There have been some truly inspired telecasts of the Oscars and some real stinkers. But there's always something to talk about afterwards, for anyone who cares about movies.

I've been watching this show for decades. I really thought I knew about all there was to know about the show but just recently I read a front-page article about the Oscars by L.A. Times writers John Horn, Nicole Sperling and Doug Smith that spread new light on the awards show for me. First of all, the median age of the people voting on these awards is 62. Less than 14 percent of the Academy voters are under the age of 50. That explains why "Driving Miss Daisy" did so well, but it doesn't explain why "It's Hard Out Here For  A Pimp" received the Best Song Oscar. Go figure.

While 50% of the Oscar voters have had a job in the industry within the past two years, many of those who vote for the Oscars haven't worked in decades. Once you're a member, it's for lifetime. So current voters include a nun, a bookstore owner and a retired Peace Corps recruiter. Their votes count as much as Julia Roberts or Tom Hanks.

Oscar voters are 94 percent Caucasian and 77 percent male. About 2 percent of the membership are black and less than 2% are Latino. Of the Academy's 43 member  Board of Governors, only six are women. Realistically, this does reflect the percentage of women in the entertainment industry. Especially those in executive or decision-making positions. The industry is still pretty much an "old boys" school. It's really time for them to rectify that. The screenwriters division is made up of 17 percent women while the producer' s branch is 18 percent female and the director's branch is 9 percent.

 " In 83 years of Oscars, less than 4 percent of the acting awards have been won by African Americans. Only one woman-Kathryn Bigelow-has received an Oscar for directing."

 Actor Denzel Washington is one academy member who is pushing for more diversity in the academy ranks. He maintains that if the country is comprised of 12 percent black people, then the Academy should reflect that. If 15 percent of the country is Latino, then the academy should follow suit. To many, it only seems fair. This year several minorities landed nominations and a couple, at least, have a good chance at winning. But in the director's category, all nominees are white men and of the 21 producers in the nine films nominated for Best Picture, none is a person of color.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded in 1927 for two purposes: to mediate labor disputes and to improve the movie industry's image. They have brought some terrific entertainment to our televisions at least once a year and for me, I indulge them a bit like a family member. I see their imperfections, indulgences and hubris, but I still enjoy having them around.

Now, if only they would acknowledge their need to diversify and be more inclusive, they might be able to boost the business of movies and the appreciation of them even more.