Screenwriting : No Blacks in the Oscars this year! A travesty!? Screenwriters to blame Stage32? Just a little respresentation on the big screen! by Edith Woi

One article I read - http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/Twitter-r...

@Sam...strictly speaking race or gender doesn't, however, if there is diversity in that...how can it be put forward even as a contender?

A travesty doesn't even begin to describe but at the end of the day, I wasn't really surprised. I kinda saw this one coming, but what I wasn't expecting was how glaringly obvious it would be to others that this year's nomination lacked diversity (In their "defense", one of the Best Director nominees is Hispanic). But it's just another reminder that this is a system that women and minorities have to fight just a little harder every day in order to stand up and be noticed, no matter the chosen career field.

I will say that it is upsetting to not see more diversity but now that I think about it, what were the other great quality movies besides Selma with people of color that came out? I can't really think of any. I think it is more a matter of that than anything. Now the women writers and directors with no Oscar nods, that is messed up.

@Antonio...You are correct and that is very telling within itself, but it appears there was some type of effort to exclude "Selma" from most of the major categories for whatever reason. Many people across the board are quite surprised that "Selma" was left out. I couldn't begin to speculate how this happened because how award nominations are given is not my field of expertise, but this does tell a narrative all too familiar.

@Antonio- you wrote, "what were the other great quality movies besides Selma with people of color that came out? I can't really think of any"...BUT what if non-White stories were not DEEMED commercial enough....too edgy ...or too controversial to be MADE! Typically non-Whites don't have the money! How can they BUILD it...if they aint got no monay!?????

@Lisa- bullseye "producer/development system"

I see your point there Edith. Yours as well Lisa. Thank you for sharing this post, it was able to be talked about.

I think the system is to blame in an unusual way. There were no screeners sent to Acad members for SELMA, so most of them didn't see the movie. They saw the adverts on TV, and that's it! So they had no idea whether the actors or director were any good. Weird. I think the Oscars are a joke... and in the real world: SELMA was the #2 seen movie in US cinemas yesterday... and was #2 over the weekend. So Academy voters may not have seen it, but everyone else is seeing it. When it comes time to hire a director based on the financial success of their last film? DuVernay may be on that list. PS: The larger issue for DuVernay may be genre. Oscar bait films tend to be dramas made on a budget, and few are made every year. Most directing gigs are for genre films, and she probably won't make it on any of those lists. So one of the issues with getting minority (or majority in the case of women) directors into mainstream Hollywood is the need to make mainstream films so that you don't get pigeonholed into low budget indie dramas. This has been a thorn in the side of white male indie directors lately... they can't seem to get a gig doing bigger films and the middle has dropped out of the biz, so that the mid range budgets they've been working on in the past have plummeted down to low budgets (and often extremely low budgets). Because they never made the jump to genres, they are out of work. Okay, that's white male directors... imagine how bad it is for nonwhite female directors.

@Lisa- good point. Racism and prejudice are not synonymous. @Kathryn - there needs to be FUNDING. One colour missing on non-white potential is GREEN. As @William said, it's the system. I just can't fathom there are not 10 great stories out there...probably like Lisa's or any of ours, shelved! And for the record- I totally don't want to be a segregationist! Good Lord...I'm already Catholic and that's enough. However, I feel in order to get BALANCE in things....there has be a level of pointing out where the imbalances occur.

HOW to rally a "movement"...an organised one is the big question. I read Billy Bob Thorton disgruntled that Hollywood didn't/doesn't want to make his western films. There are so many marginalised people out there. To come under a unified front will have to take into consideration everyone's grievances. One star with clout will have to take the lead though. Like Clooney did in his attempts to rally stars regarding the cancellation of The Interview.

I agree with Lisa, it all starts at the bottom level and takes time. Hollywood has probably always been a "good old boys" machine. But with more opportunity every day for indie projects outside of that machine, more people from every culture are finding ways to participate. We need to start over: educate and encourage the youngest among us from every part of our society. Maybe someday in our lifetime we can actually reach that goal of being judged by our merit and the color of our skin is not even noticed anymore.

Just last year there were 7 African-Americans nominated 3 of which won. i think it speaks to an inherent problem within the film industry and not specifically the Academy. If there aren't enough minority contenders then it stands to reason that there will be very few if any represented. Other than "Selma" and "Get on Up" there really wasn't a lot to choose from this year. That isn't the Academy's fault.

I don't think Hollywood is racist...just to fcuking cautious anf afraid! What was that book "Feel the fear and do it anyway". Hollywood exec need to read it with a warm glass of milk. but i think not enough good scripts from minorities ar not being picked up in the first place. Not enough contenders? The chance wasnt givren

@Dan if I I lived nnear you I would buy you a box of chocolates. No pun intended :-)

Haha! I wonder if you meant to neglect adding an "s" on chocolate? Freudian slip? Lol. Oooh I know honey.....

You do realise that "white boy party" is both a racial and sexist comment? Had someone remarked on basketball players all being black, would you have kicked up a stink? Now, I'm not going to accuse somebody I don't know of having double-standards, but I feel the real problem here, Lisa, is that people like to point fingers. They like to blame. They like to create excuses for their own flaws by palming it off on others. To be honest, I found your opening post offensive - there seems to be this leftist tirade at the moment about "minorities not getting a chance", but should typing "I'm black/yellow/green" on the cover of your screenplay really mean that it should be read? Should typing "woman" next it it mean that you deserve a chance that a white male screenwriter doesn't get? Because to me, THAT is inequality. I have to disagree - totally - that the Oscars are a racial affair; I do not believe that nominations are handed out based on gender or skin colour, and I do not believe that scripts are chosen for production based on a similar formula - after all, scripts are black and white, subject to opinion and market value... and those are the factors that really decide what does and does not get made. So, let's put things into perspective: should Denzil Washington (one of my favourite actors, by the way) have been nominated for his role in The Equaliser? He won Best Actor for Training Day... I think that we'll agree the difference was in the ROLE played, right? If, supposing, 2016's nominations were made up entirely of black people and white women, do you think that people would go online claiming the nominations were racist and sexist? The reality is that nominations are - or at least, should be - awarded based on the value of the work as entertainment or social/political commentary or meaningness/poignancy. Commando is one of my favourite films, but it was never nominated for an Oscar. The only thing I'll disagree with 100% is the choosing of a film in order to bring more attention to it in the marketplace; by nominating something that could have performed better had it a bigger advertising budget, is tantamount to choosing a Best Director based on skin colour - it takes credit away from another candidate for a motive other than it being truly deserving of a nomination, and that's wrong.

The Oscars are highly political - and unfortunately today's politics are used to divide and isolate people from one another. By discouraging group cooperation, consideration and love for one another the status quo remains in power and the peasants remain happy with scraps from the Elite table, while they fight each other over useless nonsense. We hurt ourselves when we buy into the crap. Life is many things, but I've never noticed it's fair regardless of color. We all hurt and we all bleed the same color blood. As taught to Stephan in Vampire Diaries, if we are to be able to love - we must first be able to hurt. We all want an Oscar and the whites who didn't get one are just as disappointed as blacks, reds, yellows, etc. are. Have a great 2015.

CD and Edith don't ;-)

Denzel got an Oscar for Training Day because he attacked that role with the most zeal - that anyone would read that as whites only will give Denzel an Oscar if he plays a thug is so pathetically misguided it's beyond sad. Trust me if he went ham on a Rainman or a Kings Speech type of role he would have gotten an Oscar for that instead - he just happened to really get into playing that Training Day character and so he was justly rewarded... stop reading into things that aren't there.
The fact is most movies are directed by white men so you can't blame the Academy, if you want to blame something, blame society at large. I do think that other stories need to be told such as women's stories and other points of view but until then the Oscars are based on merit. I reckon if I was a young black filmmaker I would want to get an Oscar nomination because of how awesome my film was, and not get some bonus points because I'm black... in fact I would probably reject my own nomination if I felt that played a part in it. And in fact I imagine I would use the odds against me as motivation. Everyone in this industry can claim to be an underdog on some level, use that as motivation!

@Anthony! bahaaahahaha. Getting back to the STORIES. All movies begin with a story. With a lowly screenwriter sitting at her desk in pajamas with a cup of coffee with steam wafting about. Without the scripts, there would be no movies. So I am thinking, we are all screenwriters....so it begins (theorectically) with us right? If so, then if we see a majority of movies being written by a majority of the population...then maybe there is something that needs changing to get a greater representation at the box office. And I don't mean writing a story about someone Black or other minority. Story which integrates and includes them. I am Black but my stories are not Black stories! I don't see them that way in any sense of the word. My skin just happens to be a darker shade of heaven....but my stories do include people of all races. And I would like to add Blacks, Asians, and all ethnicity in a King's Speech movie even if as a stereotypical Asian Opium Provider. We should give various actors a chance to displays their art too. Just sayin.....

I'm not disagreeing with you for the sake of it, Edith, but Producers are where films really begin. Yes, it can be argued that a producer requires a story, but until you have that/those person/s who are willing to go out there and do whatever it takes to get a film done, not even the best scripts in the world have a chance of becoming films. It's absolutely undeniable that a great story makes for a better film, but when you consider that a producer either has a great project to which to attach talent, or has rich connections and a good accountant to make pretty much whatever he/she likes, you realise that, for some people, actually having a great story, SADLY (hence the amount of crap out there), isn't as necessary as we'd all like to believe.

@ CD sadly I agree.....pfff. so NOW can we blame the Producers? Lol. Forgettingabout, the end result sought by me is change. It seems more fleeting some days....but I'm crazy like that....and still believe that everyday is a new chance to see progress.

Producers aren't to blame for anything. Some roles are written for an individual of a particular type to play - be it female, Chinese, old, skinny, etc. - whereas others are more open to "finding the right performer". I won't endeavour to guess why more Indians, say, aren't cast in a Britain with an absolutely massive Indian-sourced population, but I do know that a lot of investors want the "selfie" with a star, so it's easier to get funding if someone famous is attached, be that a black pop star, white model or, well... actually, there aren't too many famous British-Indians or Indians that I can think of (get my point?). A lot of people kick up a stink about Hollywood being run by an "elite", but if you look at any family businesses, the kids normally are trained to take over the reins. This is 100% normal, but because we're talking about the FILM industry, people want to make out that things should be different. At the end of the day, if you work and slave to pay your mortgage, wouldn't you want your kids to inherit your house? Hollywood's like that but on a much larger financial scale (and with a hell of a lot more photographers and self-appointed moral judges taking swings at those involved).

@CD totally wrote a brilliant comment from my smartphone...was then deleted! arghh. My point was basically, I have no problem with nepotism. But call it what it is and not "the best, most prestigious thing around (Oscars). I would like more TRANSPARENCY. In the Oscars voting system....I can't remember anyone ever mentioning who chooses them, how they vote, etc. And in the UK, what they do well (sometimes) is use independent watchdogs. Hollywood needs a damn dog in town! I would love to start such an independent watchdog on the Hollywood film industry. To write reports to the viewers...the masses...about their dealings. Even the NSA revealed they knew about the Sony hack....(due to pressure I think)....so maybe Hollywood needs some pressure as well.

If we are to be fair naysayers...then its ok to have White cabbies in DC....but please give minorities a break in the opposite scenario to be the Lead .-)

Lets summarize this discussion:we are disappointed by the choice of the Oscars and wish to see more minorities presented whatever they are.My idea is that the process takes more time than we want it to be.First don't forget that it all started with a bunch of white,middle class, often jewish people wanting first to discover good cinema but also make money with it. Now we arrive at a time when minorities whatev er their colors also wish to go on the stage and win the competition and they are plenty.prices.competitions and good film makers. FIRST be patient and continue to work on it wharever your minority is.SECOND if not Hollywood lets create and develop other good oscar-like events.Good free competitions will make better produces.THIRD demand on each competition including the OScars that there will be special categorirs and prices reserved for let's say low budjet.chinese american.afroamerican etc etc Some festivals already have these.Just like opening new sport categories each Olympic games. I'am sure our turn will arrive.but ...please be patient !We have enough good filmmakers in reserve.But please also don't forget any competition including the Oscar is "impure"entached with 'impure"values .We will have to clean that also as much as possible.slowly or faster if possible .Here is the role of the press.to tell the unpleasant trues.

@Siegal! Nice comment. I am on board with you. I wouldn't however, want various ethnic categories. Just when I get my Oscar, I don't want to be in the Black category! I want it to be in the general pool. I do like the "low budget" category as an example. Seems very indiscriminate! Maybe Micro Budget category...Low Budget category...this would REALLY open it up more! oooh that seems to make the "money" issue a non-issue. How can one get the Academy to ADD categories. I think they haven't done that in like 50 years!?.

How to make them open new categories? by opening new categories everywhere else, enter comments in the press as numerous as possible as soon as a single representant of a minority approaches a microphones at any festival or competition, repete the moto "Open a New Category for...!". Put pressure on this antique and inamovible institution, talk and talk about it as often as possible. You will see, at the end it will work:a revolution of the new age . By the way I even thought about an Oscar for "the Under 18!" because kids are nowdays making a lot of extraordinary productions in their last year at school.

"under 18"...brilliant! Boy what would the Oscars be!??? I suggest we start a petition?

Here's a fun fact: The people who are in the Academy "club" are on the average 62 years old and 94 percent white. I'll let you draw your own conclusions...

I tried my hardest to read most of these comments, but my brain lacks patience for some people who haven't yet come to terms with the issue of WHITE PRIVILEGE! It is a huge problem all across the entertainment industry and every other industry in the world. It's a damn shame and for those who haven't watched SELMA yet, get yourself to the damn theater!!! The only reason some people of colour are seen in films, tv and in theaters now are because of diversity & initiative programs.... Isn't that a shame? You have to create programs that make you want to include others. It doesn't just come naturally? Well! Someone said that people of colour have to make more films and raise enough money to make them... How? We don't have the privilege to make more than 1 or 2 a year... Note that is why such people who understand white priveledge such as brad Pitt etc. Word as exec. Producers on the "black films" because they know and understand how white privilege works. Screenwriters, casting agents, directors, producers all need to own their damn white privilege in 2015 and stop this nonsense. Be an ally. Work hand in hand to ensure that everyone can see themselves represented on stage, on screen, on tv. Also that basketball comment is irrelevant. I don't see how you could even want to compare the two.

so let's change the facts,Richard Allan . Who is paying for the Oscar and who is earning from the Oscar. Youth can make them earn perhaps more. and spend less More than half of the world population is young and colored all colors . Trust the future!!be optimistic, the facts can be changed.

White privilege, male privilege. Own your privilege in 2015 and do something. Be an ally. Don't sit back and say... Oh well that's their problem to solve.

Shameful indeed.

I'm not saying there's not racism in Hollywood -- it's still pretty much everywhere, unfortunately -- but a closer look at this particular situation reveals that Academy members didn't receive screeners of "Selma" this year (at least none of my friends who get all the screeners didn't receive "Selma") which is a huge blunder by the production companies responsible for the film.

Nothing good ever happened through sane people! :-) @Siegal, love your faith:-) @Jamila - yes. It's bad. But we all should take part and help to change it. Lisa did a good thing to ask Black to be pro-active. Way to go and try. But numbers...money is what opens the ears of execs. Again, I propose a campaign to add new categories to the Oscars???

Here's an LA Times article that states that "Selma" didn't send out screeners in time for Academy voters. Unforgivable! http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/goldstandard/la-et-mn-osca...

Al Sharpton at it! http://buzz.blog.ajc.com/2015/01/16/rev-al-sharpton-calls-emergency-meet... . Has he beat me to the punch :-)))????

As usual, Al Sharpton is only after a payday and pay-offs. (He's still under investigation for not paying his income tax.)

I haven't heard of solutions. I was taught in school...if you identify a problem, also pair it with a solution! I am not sure what kind of clout Mr Sharpton has in America these days. @Lisa....no! Keep the faith! :-)

Boyhood will win best picture, trust me... not only is it unique, but it's going to remind a whole lot of Oscar voters of their own childhood, especially cause the kid in it is a creative type

Why do I suddenly feel like I stepped into a CNN/Fox News discussion lol...I think I may have said this already but at the end of the day, it's going to take a village or three to change the system. Not the Academy system, but Hollywood in general. For me, seeing the way things are and the odds only make me more determined to write quality material and pray that material is judged solely on its quality vs. the attributes of the writer. While recognizing (or not recognizing) things may not be as fair as we like, I do not and will not let it deter me from my work and maybe I or another one of us will end up being the exception.

@Tarus - well said!

@Dave: Despite my other thoughts, if "Boyhood" wins Best Picture, I do believe it will be well deserved because anyone who dedicated 12+ years of their life to shoot a movie and show those 12 years in real time does deserve something lol. That's true patience and dedication.

my personal fave is still Grand Budapest Hotel. It is quirky...kinda like a Coen bruthas thing, but Hollyweird. It might be the shock winner...to distract people from the pre-Oscars negative hype.

Lisa I have read enough of your posts to know you and Fox do not have the same thoughts lol....I had never heard of Hoop Dreams I would love to learn more about it. I'm only 25 so I haven't been following stuff like this quite as long.

Thanks Lisa. I'll check it out. Surely it could not have been disqualified for length because didn't "Titanic" win Best Picture at nearly 3.5 hours?

if Grand Budapest Hotel wins Best Picture, I'm quitting the business.

"Grand Budapest Hotel" - - what a slog. Dental surgery would have been more fun than sitting thru this meandering trivia. I did enjoy the quirky bellhop cap - - an homage to Jerry Lewis, no doubt.

@Danny and Linda oh no! But if they win....I want a bottle of wine! You heard it hear first! hahaha. Sometimes comedy should have a chance...as it is my genre of preference. @Kathrny...yay!

I loved "Grand Budapest Hotel!" Great film. Wes Anderson created a truly original work. What an illusion-maker! I was thrilled to see it among those nominated for best picture.

I'm with Beth, one of my faves of last year, funny, witty, intelligent and pushed the boundaries of how you can tell a story... not everyone's cup of tea, that's fine, I don't like tea ;-) I doubt it'll win best picture but the nomination is a great accolade in itself.

Well said, Anthony! Yeah, I don't really like tea either. I'm more of a coffee enthusiast. ;-)

I like neither nor tea nor coffee, but I would hope one day a quirky film wins. I like quirky films...would love to be able to write like that! @Lisa...you are soo American hahaha. I mean I think Americans (Hollywood) really gears for more action...less dialogue...I could bathe in good dialogue! refreshing!"

Grand Budapest was the only movie I watched twice last year. One of the few I was really keen to encourage others to watch. I found it delightful and refreshing. It made me want to run to my keyboard and shameless imitate it. I felt the same about Moonrise Kingdom. Life Aquatic made me want to shoot myself in the face. To be honest I'm stunned to find anyone with a bad word to say about it. That's taste for you, not everyone's blessed with, darling.

Grand Budapest Hotel for me was all style and no substance. For style, I'd give it a 10+. For connecting me as a viewer to the characters, I'd give it a 0. I guess as a viewer I like stuff that is found in the real world, and I have no interest in what exists in someone's head. I'm a fan of reality. That's why I can watch Boyhood for 3 hours and not once get bored, but the best plotted scifi or Wes Anderson flicks just annoy me. I don't want to watch someone's imagination for 2 hours.

On the topics of Wes Anderson and sci-fi, this Wes Anderson meets the Star Wars Force Awakens mock trailer is hilarious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EJ6AmplD8g

All film is formed by imagination. Some perhaps delve deeper than others. :)

thats true Beth. But I guess the closer something resembles the world I see around me, the more I connect with it.

I'm with you on the sci-fi thing, Dave. I'll only ever enjoy it if it feels incredibly realistic, which is rare. I guess we all have limits on what level of fantasy can draw us in.

Yes, I much prefer realism too, Dave. Sci-fi is not my favorite either. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is so unique, so self-aware -- that's what makes it so much fun. It's in a category all its own. :)

@Beth - a category of its own indeed! I don't really get into fantasy either, never did Harry Potter....but some stories have an impact...like Lord of the Rings! I bought the book AFTER watching it.... so stone me. It got me interested in actually buying a fantasy novel. TRUE Story....I was alone in London one Christmas with nothing to do (this was before the shops started opening for Boxing Day). I looked on the billboard of a theatre and THOUGHT I say Lord of the Flies....you remember...the book about the little boys stranded on the island all wanting the conch to speak? Fat Piggy got killed. Well, I paid for a ticket to the "Lord of the Flies"....and was totally surprised at this Lord of the Rings movie. Hooked from the 1st 5minutes! Tangent alert...sorry :-)

Benedict Cumberbatch says Black fair better in Hollywood than the UK - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2925082/Benedict-Cumberbatch-say...

Elba, Ejiofor, Oyelowo... maybe we've just got a crop of really good Black actors, who've honed their craft partly in the UK, hopefully the latter two can continue to kill it as Elba has done.

I stated something similar before...I find British Blacks less intimidating? Or is it the accent? (though they use onscreen an American accent)???

We are advised to avoid mentioning the race of characters--it doesn't seem like the writer's place. So, no, I don't think it's the screenwriters who are to blame.

@Edith Woi - What Black actors, writers, directors etc. do you think deserved Oscar nominations this year? That allows an intelligent conversation about whether a particular performance (of whatever kind) is worthy.

@James - would you say you were given a choice? From what we have to pick from...I am not sure. I don't seek out minority or Blacks to give Oscars to (if I had that privilege). What I want is the POOL to be bigger. The question posed should be "how many films were made this year with Black and minorities"? THEN from there....ask me ....did I think the Oscars neglected any of those? But fact is, Black and minority films are not being produced/funded. So if the Oscars only have a couple of minority films to choose from....they don't REALLY have a choice? I don't choose minority films because I am one. I can't remember the last time I did watch a movie with them in it frankly. However, IF there were more on offer....I might do. Makes sense? @Robin....you should see my other thread. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Writing-Scripts-with-Lead-M... If you don't write characters are minorities, they may just get cast the status quo (for now) and that might not be a minority. If we try to push stories with minorities...then casting dir/producers might have to seek them out! Thereby given more minorities a chance to shine innit?

tangent...just read that Benedict Cumberbatch was critcised for using the word "Coloured" to describe "Blacks". He made an apology, but really people! Like one commentator stated even NAACP uses it ...you know the "C" is "coloured". It might be outdated to some, but I know Irish still say coloured...I am not offended. If anything we are ALL frigging coloured...those we call White are usually red, orange, pink, etc....and ok I am dark...but if you put a piece of black paper next to my face...I am a shade of it...but not black! uffff... Call me milk chocolate then...I am ok with that. "Police officer, the woman who ran off with my wallet was gorgeous, intelligent and chocolate"!!! Lol.

I think BC is from England, and that may be acceptable there. In the US, I believe the word's poor connotation comes from a historical context. Change it just a little, say to "People of Color" and it's acceptable, if not preferred.

@Edith - let me see. "Selma" - "Addicted" - "Beyond the Lights" - "No Good Deed" - "Get On Up" - and dozens more. With the exception of "Selma" and "Get On Up" most of these movies were made with the hopes of commercial success and not as Oscar contenders, at least in my opinion. Why don't you go through the following list and let me know which ones you actually think are Oscar-worthy? http://www.ondvdreleases.com/best-african-american-movies/ Most producers are looking for commercial hits, not socially-relevant movies. If a script achieves both goals, great. But a potential profit is what producers have to be able to demonstrate to get a movie made. Money is green; not black, white, brown, red, or yellow.

@James... I haven't heard of most of those movies on that list! But what I can say, as a generalisation, is that I like stories with minorities as characters/actors...and it doesn't have to be a "minority story". My meaning is, Selma is a story of a Black man (MLK)..."Get On Up" as well. But I mean stories like "Beyond the Lights". These are stories WITH Blacks/Minorities in them. They represent minorities in society as normal humans. So I don't really advocate ooh...write my life cause I be Black innit. No...we are all humans....so let us represent the normal (or dysfunctional) stories of life as well...

@Edith - Name me one person playing a "normal" person who ever won an Academy Award. If someone chooses to play a "normal" role, the chances are that it won't be an Oscar-quality role. People don't go to movies to see ordinary people. If they wanted to do that, they could just go next door. A few comments above, you couldn't even name one single role in 2014 in which a Black person deserved an Oscar. I'm not saying there weren't any. But if you're going to make sure a claim, you ought to provide specifics so that people can examine your case and see if it has merit. Here's a complete list of movies released in 2014. Do some homework before you make sweeping generalities. You first complained about Blacks being snubbed by the Oscars. Here's your chance to back up your statement with movies in which you think a Black entertainment professional was snubbed. http://www.wildaboutmovies.com/2014_movies/Movies_In_Theaters_2014.html Above, you changed the theme of your own thread (twice!). Now you appear to be claiming that there are not enough roles given to Black actors. The last movie I saw "Nightcrawler" had approximately a 10% Black cast in it. I believe that corresponds to the percentage in the general population. So, please explain to me how that is unfair. You really need to have some statistics to back up your claims. Otherwise, people are not going to take you seriously. And I don't know about what BC said or didn't say, nor do I have his statement in context.

@James - I have stated that I didn't see any of the Best Film save The Grand Budapest. My statement, yes, was in general, asking why is it that there aren't more minorities nominated? This doesn't require that I go out and watch every movie on your list (I have said this before, I earned $0 pretax for my writing last year...and the year before that ...and the year before that - translation I have a day job). Therefore I don't have time to watch every movie in with a minority. I think one should be able to general notice whether or not, the times they do hear/see about movies, that there would be a general representation. Just as the normal movie goer finds out, so do I....and from that I can say I don't see much. I feel this is a debate, not requires hard and fast numbers. If you in your heart can say, there is a fair representation of minorities in Hollywood...just say that then. It is your opinion. Though, I beg to differ. And yes, the colour in Hollywood is GREEN which has been noted previously as well. If having statistics means I have no case....I think Sherlock would beg to differ. Numbers, as can also be a misrepresentation of the truth...and I posted a link about the gross sales for the Oscar movies....and it pointed out that my "statistics" were not a reflection of the facts/truth. Let us try not to forget that nothing is Black and White....something I too must remember.

I' m wondering:why Othello is black and his love so white.There was no Academy at the time of" Sheik-spear".However he won all the Oscars then and until now. What made that play so enormously popular and so completely absurd.?No color discussion like ours is involved .However, it stands on itself.Perhaps if we find an answer for that, we will have our answer now in 2015

@Siegal - I mentioned Othello and how Shakespeare did groundbreaking work that people somehow seemed to have forgot! I think, personally, it's because Othello isn't a story about a black/man of colour, but a story about love/obsession and the man just happens to be a "man of colour". People want universal stories...no matter who is in them...but it is nice to see a diverse representation. @Lisa...thanks for holding up the "women's" flag on this issue as well which is needed.:-)

Yes that is what the story is about,love -obsession . That's what screenwriter's job is about, the story. . But the great" but" :why this specific british talented writer long time ago showed a black and white couple (and in a royal location to remove any other social problems) to tell this extreme story with such a success? I don't have an answer . Perhaps my intelligent collegues have one ? we will all be happy to hear it. to help proceed and deepen this discussion and leave all the irrelevant opinions , details , citations and links that I read so far..Sorry to critisize all of you including myself.

@siegal- indeed. A mystery. I did a quick google search months ago about it. The only thing I remember finding was someone theorised that he came in contact with a Black woman in Stratford upon Avon in a pub or something. They think that inspired the story. However, I didn't find anything else about WHY people didn't make such a stir. Some say that Othello wasn't Black as such...but tanned! There is a version it done by a White man with his face "blacked"...and there was criticism.... I still would like to research it a bit more:-)

Edith please don't loose time at searching for the historical reasons the author have written the play with such colored heros .It has no interest . The play has been adapted so often but none had changed the colors of the heros. Here is the problem, what does it mean in the context of this drama?. Perhaps we will understand better the problem we are discussing and leave the sterile and irrelevant explanations everyone is giving to find the solution of the apparent segregation of the so-called successful modern world of cinema. I propose a new discussion title: "why are Othello black and Desdemona white?"

thank to miss Wiki we now know everything about the historical and litterary reasons Othello was black. But why is Desdemona so white ?one and only clue is given related to our basic and starting point of discussion "Black " purest cleanest sense of love (positive)but also highest tense extreme sentiments of jalousie and hate (negative): the black is "the primitive man" without having been soiled by culture, he is the "nature of humanity".Now I'm left with this poor white Desdemona, weak and in love only. A bit idiotic.Could a play stands so many adaptations thru the years and say the same thing all over again to us?Black is beautifull?I'm not convince because we still are left with our problem of minorities in Hollywood!!

@Peter- thanks! My next character WILL be listed as a Moor! (surely no one can be offended?) So they must cast someone with colour! Lol

@Peter next time you happen be in Vienna, I will take you to my fave joint the Ates Fassl, where Faco used to ahangout. There I will sit you down with a coffee and orer you a Moor im Hemd...literal translation Blackman in a shirt....what you will receive is a small round chocolate cake with cream and/or vamilla ice cream on top. Sometimes I feel I should blush when ordering it. Lol

@Peter yes. There are so many places around Austria where you can see the old walls which fortified the country. Gorgeous walking paths rich in history... And surely the Austrian bakers made their "gipferl or gipfil" which is what I coin the "fake croissant". Same shape but not as buttery or tasty, in my opinion as a french croissant.

Be carefull Edith .When you visit Austria there is now a quite powerfull neonazism in Austria.They don't as they didn't like in the 30-40no minorities .even less blacks and jews.

@Siegal - I mentioned on here my story of going to Gyor (about 1.5hours from Vienna in Hungary). I was face to face with them at night! But being me, pretended that I would Arnold Schwarzenegger their arses....Lol. But I was a unnerved. @Peter - I live in both Vienna and London.....so know Austria pretty well:-). Vienna is okay because of the arts and yes "string" culture. Loads of Asian students and others. There is the UN here so lots of expats (Americans!!!!), so no shortage of English speakers. I find it is slower in Vienna, to get the creative juices thinking. I go to the Kunst Museum and just sit and watch and view the exhibits too. In London, I am just trying to survive not losing my sanity from cancelled trains on the Northern Line! :;-) You should hear my stories about small towns in Austria....I am sure those people never saw a real life Black woman :-) They are curious and nice though....since I speak german (badly) they find me amusing:-) (I think...I can be oblivious to the obvious at times too).

Hi Edith , Lisa ! :) I respectfully disagree. Hollywood is not at all racist. There may be other reasons but not this. Hip Hop is the "in" thing. Hip Hop artists are at the top nowadays winning awards. :) Even we can see Mr Kanye snatching Microphones ! :/ So should I say nobody is paying attention to Gothic Industrial, EBM styles of Music. That's so racist !! :/

@Blair. I dont think everyone in Hollywood is racist. I do feel a lot have prejudices that get in the way of artistic expression which doesnt allow them to earn the almighty dollar. Music is different.....loadsof diversity. So we do agree Blair. But we cant be naive and think some key players aree not open, for whatever reason, to more diversity.

Lets go back to Othello a black forever and successful mixte mariage Eve is white and Adam black.anyone has an explanation for that? Do you know if this couple was played that way in the hard american South ? How was the couple played in Japan?in South Afruca duuringvthe boers?

@Siegal - I am not if it was this thread or my other one, but we discussed (briefly) if it was more "acceptable" for the male lead to be White and the female lead Black vs the reverse. A few comments were given. Again, I think, personally, a movie doesn't step on too many toes if the woman is Black and love interest if White male. Easier to digest :-)

@Edith - If someone were accused of a crime, he or she would have a right to know the details of the accusation. What exactly? When? Where? Who was involved? If you simply say that minorities should have been nominated, and provide no evidence to support your claim, then your claim is simply unfair and has no credibility. It's not my job to go find out if you are right or wrong. It's your job. And if you choose not to do it, please refrain from the accusations. And if you are not committed enough to go see the movies you want to make broad, sweeping statements about, then that's even more reason to stop the accusations. To be a truly professional writer, you need to see what your competition is doing. It's part of your continuing education, and it is simply a cost of doing business. I, for one, won't take you seriously until you make the commitment. "Selma" received two Oscar nominations ( Best Picture and Original Song). "Get On Up" might have had better chances had it been released later in the year. I haven't seen all of the Oscar-nominated films, but I plan to do so in the next few weeks. Based on what I have seen so far, there are a large number of really good movies this year. But most of the movie roles that involved Black actors this year, in my opinion, have been a lot more commercial than Oscar-bait. That may well be due to the producers, the scripts, and the actors. Let's face it: people like making money, and only a few can afford to take a chance on an Oscar-hopeful movie. Such movies typically don't achieve large box office success, although there are certainly exceptions. Who knows? Next year, there may be several Black entertainers nominated. But if you are expecting some sort of quota, that's not the way the real world works. Last year, "12 Years a Slave" won 9 Oscars, including 5 of the top 6 plus Best Adapted Screenplay. Nobody I know of complained about that movie getting too many Oscars. So I don't understand why, without any evidence or support whatsoever, you want to complain that Black entertainers were snubbed this year. And, by the way, I picked "12 Years" to win those top awards when on the submissions to several Oscar-prediction contests because I thought that movie deserved it. This year, I just don't see the same caliber roles by performed by Blacks. It wasn't that there weren't a lot of primarily Black movies, nor was there a dearth of Black characters in more diverse movies. There was just, in my opinion, a huge number of commercially made movies with Black cast members, combined with a lot of great performances by races other than Black. PS: This has been one of the most unproductive discussions in which I have ever been involved, simply because you have chosen not to support your accusations. And by the way, BC has apologized profusely for his poor choice of words.

Unproductive will continue to be if we don't solve the question why we watch a good movie eligible for an Oscar and discover that it is produced played written by minorities black or white.This should never be a relevant detail.A good movie is a good movie.That's all.If and only if the Academy is a fair company which I am not so.sure of lets them give an Oscar to it.

I have a better idea. Why don't we continue this unproductive discussion, based upon unfounded assumptions and waste more of our valuable time? Isn't innocent until proven guilty a fundamental tenet of modern society?

@Siegal - On a related topic - do you consider it an act of self-defense when one nation slaughters over 1,500 civilians as a response to the loss of 5 of its own civilians?

James ,David (it's an hebrew name?)what an intelligent screenwritter you are.! beautiful arguments and related completely to the topic in discussion.! we were yesterday on the day of memory for not 5 but 6 millions executations of minorities and slaves whatever color or movie it was Lets be quiet about that. It can be worse: an atomic bomb from Iran is on its way. I love the way you think. very attractive and logical. all my love to you dear.

@James David Sullivan - Presumption of Innocence is based on the criminal legal system. I wouldn't say my accusation is that. If anything my accusation, if one chooses to so formally categorise it, be a civil case, thereby having much lower standards of proof such as the "preponderance of evidence". So the Academy has to provide just as much evidence against the fact if wanting to win right? I gather I am discoursing with a distinguished member of the Academy. And as such, may I challenge you to a hypothetical exercise? Of all the movies you viewed this past year, what percentage included leading minorities circa (since you are clearly more qualified than I)? AND Of the best movies you did watch, irrespective of the race of the actors, how many of those (I am expecting from your list of best movies, not many to include lead minorities) could have been cast with a minority characters? I live in places where people only see minorities as asylum seekers invading "their country" from North Africa. It would be nice, sometimes, to have a mainstream film which displays minorities as people who have just the same issues as the next person. A universal message shouldn't even have colour...but most of the universal messages I see are being portrayed simply by one class of people.... and yes, they make money....and that is what Hollywood is about. I think Hollywood needs to change its Logline to "Money talks and artsy fartsies should walk". (not a good logline indeed...but hey). Finally, just a note (again). My goal was to foster a debate about the issue, not to issue a sweeping, damning verdict. P.S. in last years Oscars, I wasn't convinced 12 Years a Slave was best. The overall acting of Cumberbatch and Fassbender with the southern accents didn't convince me. I enjoyed more the Wolf of Wall Street (which again, could have been played by a minority) and Dallas Buyers Club. (btw...I am Black) I don't vote for things or people or presidents because I am Black...but on merit. I too want my efforts and work to be recognised for merit...not because of the basic, randomness of the colour of my skin. But I just don't think everyone feels the same. (but that is my opinion...not a verdict:-)

@Edith - "preponderance of evidence"? You admit you don't have ANY evidence! Nor do you want to provide anything but accusations. Your lack of finances does not give you the right to make accusations that you can not or will not support. There is a lot of injustice in this world. I prefer to spend my time on those things brought to my attention by people willing to make the commitment to show that there is something worthy of my attention, time, and effort.

@Siegal - I may have Hebrew blood in me; I don't know enough about my ancestors to say one way or the other. But I also have a sense of justice. And I know what is wrong. Iran has atomic bomb on the way? We already know Israel has them as well. So do Pakistan, India, and North Korea. Of course, Iran is a lot closer to Israel than those other countries. I am well aware of the Holocaust. It is one of history's darkest hours. But that doesn't give Israel the right to slaughter huge numbers of civilians because of a few deaths. 5 does not equal 1,500 - nor is it even close. Is is mind-boggling for me to see a country whose people have suffered atrocities to commit them on others. I realize 1,500 is not equal to 6 million; nor is it even close. But because a child was abused does not give it the right to abuse other children when it grows up. If Israel started treating the Palestinians like human beings, I seriously doubt these problems would continue. Israel wanted its own country. It has one now. Why would you deny the Palestinians the same right? And before anyone says this is off topic - the general topic was racial injustice. This is just one more instance of it. Only this one has lead to thousands of deaths; as far as I know, no one has lost a life because he or she did not receive an Oscar.

@James...what stuck for me in last statement is your statement about "worthy of your attention...effort". Thank goodness this is a debate. I would hate to think about your response to life's basic issues ...those thing one can NOT attribute a percentage or mean value. Please don't accuse me of one thing....taking away your valuable time my good man. In essence what we are discussing is first world luxury problems... I know my commitment to what I do. You have NO idea, the faintest, what commitment I have made in my life to even be on such a platformto eventually come across your path to have this conversation.. if I whispered in your ear a tithe of my commitment I think myou would indeed be convince. But we are not here about my personal life...besides my occassional rants. But I am a woman and it's my prerogagative Lol. C u around on a more worthy thread my worthy peer! ;-)

@Edith Ebola. World hunger. Cancer. What's the difference between those topics and yours? 1. Death. 2. Well-known statistics that show there is a serious problem. 3. Committed people who don't spend all their time talking, but instead spend most of their time doing. I spend my time on things that are worthy of effort, not on some speculation that something MAY be wrong. Even now, you suggest you do great things in private. It's a pity you don't keep your accusations as private as your good deeds.

@James....not sure your point in discussing the Israeli Palestinian political debacle? Are you now looking for sympathy to your cause due to your commitment in that area?

@James my reference btw was to my commitments. Great? That is subjective. Life is more than numbers James. Did you conduct the research to gather the numbers? Do you know what sense of justice others feel? Iwonder your solution. You know facts but what else? if you want the trophy for winning a debate then rooha to you. Llife is about relationships and making others feel appreciated, listened to and valued. I dont hear that in your words...so cant feel any soft emotions for you or your causes.

Agree Edith.Our James has no really reason to have a decent discussion here. our friend presents what we call in Pathology ,my previous profession, an obsession about death and ....perhaps is a new kind of Othello who was also obsessed by his blind passion for Desdemona. A jewfolly or an israeli obsession and passion for palestinian oppression. We could perhaps write a modern play together James?

@Siegal - No you could show some compassion for those who don't share your religion. They are human beings as well. Worrying about whether Blacks were snubbed in the Oscars this year is very shallow-minded when it comes to the real problems in this world. How about avoidance? You seem to be very good at that.

@Edith - The great, late management guru Peter Drucker famously said, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." When you avoid any means of quantifying something, you lose your credibility in demonstrating something. And when you can't even name some movies in which you believe a specific Black actor, director, or other entertainment professional should have received an Oscar nomination, you don't have anything to support your "case".

@Siegal - Did they teach you in "Pathology" to call names? Is that the way you prove your case when you don't have one?

@James - people's feelings are not to be "managed". People feeling valued isn't something one creates a pie chart about. I know Peter's work well. He is Austrian though moved to America...and I am a management consultant. I throw number in the rubbish bin when it comes to people. Each person is an individual. If you treat people for the masses, then how can you claim you are just? That is such a subjective argument. And for the sake of argument.....(not sure Peter Drucker would agree), your argument wins James. There are no facts about minorities, or I certainly am not committed enough to present them, therefore, the Oscars, Hollywood....it is all fair. I hope being a winner makes you sleep better at night about this issue :-)

@Edith - You are acting like a con-artist. You make accusations without proof and then make excuses why you shouldn't provide it. If you feel bad because not enough Black entertainment professionals received Oscar nominations this year to suit you, you're more hung up on numbers than you are accusing me of. How many Oscars do you think Black entertainment professionals should have received? And for which films? When you can't even answer such basic questions, you clearly don't know enough to convince someone else that your cause is justified. If you want to feel bad, that's okay. Just don't expect me to be a member of your pity party. Too many others deserve my compassion. You don't.

@James - I state in another way my last comment , "let us agree to disagree".

Hitler didn't bother to prove what he said either. He just kept saying it until people started believing it. I never said Hollywood is fair. I don't think it is. But when I make a statement and expect action from others, as you clearly do, I promise you it will be backed up with both qualitative and quantitative data.

@James - you have a right to your opinion.

Not very productive in this discussion about minorities represented at the Academy.can we change gear and leave this.path. James ,why do you think that Othello continues to be played as a.black or blackened heros.passionnaly in.love with a white and crushed Desdemona.Stay please in this direction and no israeli-palestinian conflict .other than staight hypothesis from you about this only question wil have to be considered as a pathological position.Please stay focused on the subject so we can consider your opinions as valuable.love.A.

@Mr. Corey - Just about every country on earth has condemned Israel for war crimes over this last massacre. 5 Israeli civilians dead, 1,500 Palestinians. The Palestinians are essentially in an internment camp. They can't import and export products. Hitler kept saying the same old lies. Mr.Corey, go ahead and talk irrelevancies. It won't bring back 1,500 dead people. Talk all you like about the rockets fired into Israel. 5 civilians died. Killing 1,500 civilians is not self-defense. It is murder. You can bring back old issues, but you don't want to face the current reality.

Is England's "The Guardian" and idiotic newspaper? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/23/israel-gaza-war-crimes-guar... Here's some highlights, Mr. Corey: "A month-long investigation also obtained evidence of civilians being hit by fire from unmanned [ISRAELI] drone aircraft said to be so accurate that their operators can tell the colour of the clothes worn by a target." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "The testimonies form the basis of three Guardian films which add weight to calls this week for a full inquiry into the events surrounding Operation Cast Lead, which was aimed at Hamas but left about 1,400 Palestinians dead, including more than 300 children." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) refused to respond directly to the allegations made against its troops, but issued statements denying the charges and insisted international law had been observed." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "The latest disclosures follow soldiers' evidence published in the Israeli press about the killing of Palestinian civilians and complaints by soldiers involved in the military operation that the rules of engagement were too lax." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "Human rights groups say the vast majority of offences were committed by Israel, and that the Gaza offensive was a disproportionate response to Hamas rocket attacks. Since 2002, there have been 21 Israeli deaths by Hamas rockets fired from Gaza, and during Operation Cast Lead there were three Israeli civilian deaths, six Israeli soldiers killed by Palestinian fire and four killed by friendly fire." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "Only an investigation mandated by the UN security council can ensure Israel's co-operation, and it's the only body that can secure some kind of prosecution," said Amnesty's Donatella Rovera, who spent two weeks in Gaza investigating war crime allegations. "Without a proper investigation there is no deterrent. The message remains the same: 'It's OK to do these things, there won't be any real consequences'." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "Some of the most dramatic testimony gathered by the Guardian came from three teenage brothers in the al-Attar family. They describe how they were taken from home at gunpoint, made to kneel in front of Israeli tanks to deter Hamas fighters from firing, and sent by Israeli soldiers into Palestinian houses to clear them. 'They would make us go first so if any fighters shot at them the bullets would hit us, not them,' 14-year-old Al'a al-Attar said." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "Medics and ambulance drivers said they were targeted when they tried to tend to the wounded; sixteen were killed. According to the World Health Organisation, more than half of Gaza's 27 hospitals and 44 clinics were damaged by Israeli bombs. " It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "In a report released today, a medical human rights group said there was 'certainty' that Israel violated international humanitarian law during the war, with attacks on medics, damage to medical buildings, indiscriminate attacks on civilians and delays in medical treatment for the injured." It's murder,Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "'We have noticed a stark decline in IDF morals concerning the Palestinian population of Gaza, which in reality amounts to a contempt for Palestinian lives,' said Dani Filc, chairman of Physicians for Human Rights Israel. The Guardian gathered testimony on missile attacks by Israeli drones against clearly distinguishable civilian targets. In one case a family of six was killed when a missile hit the courtyard of their house. Israel has not admitted using drones but experts say their optical equipment is good enough to identify individual items of clothing worn by targets. The Geneva convention makes it clear medical staff and hospitals are not legitimate targets and forbids involuntary human shields." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "However, the accounts gathered by the Guardian are supported by the findings of human rights organisations and soldiers' testimony published in the Israeli press." It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. "An IDF [Israeli Defence Forces] squad leader is quoted in the daily newspaper Ha'aretz as saying his soldiers interpreted the rules to mean 'we should kill everyone there [in the centre of Gaza]. Everyone there is a terrorist.'" It's murder, Mr. Corey, not self-defense. And if I had been alive during the Holocaust, I would be saying the same thing about Hitler's ruthless massacre of the Jewish people. In fact, I don't think Hitler had the audacity to call it "self-defense". Whether it's millions or thousands, it's still murder.

Indeed Peter....1 life is too many. Hang what the numbers are on each side. I am not adept in Palestinian/Israeli politics, but I have many Jewish friends and 1 death pains them. I am sure one death on the Palestinian side pains the family members left behind after the death of their loved ones. War is war! The only way to end it is a truce... and as Peter stated, that hasn't happened in the past (see his comments) and I am not sure what the future holds. So what is it you want James ? What is the so called "justice" streak in you needing to fulfill in its cause to resolve that conflict?

@ Lisa. You beat me to the comment I was going to make.

Lets go back to our problem of Oscars all white.Wars are for goverments and soldiers.to deal .We are screenwriters and try to understand and answer the big question:are the blacks or other minorities producing and playing badly and this is the reason of this segregation and elitism or the segregation in itself the reason of this fact,the absence of Oscars given to the minorities of all colors. Focus on that please.I have few answers one of which is related to the public and not the film itself.Which is the public.watching and buying the movies of the Oscars.I have the impression that minorities watch less these movies. Am I right?

@DMH and Lisa.....leading into the discussion why we've focussed on Best Film category and not Best Screenplay!

Here's the to do. I have only watched the Grand Budapest Hotel, but have viewed all trailers for the other nominees in this year Best Original Screenplay. 1. Birdman - all men. Among the writers- Mexican and I think Spanish co-writer (do people consider Mexicans minorities? I do I think). Not convincing to me. 2. Boyhood- white male. Not convincing. Good concept but I know many people making indie movies about ideas over a time span. 3. Foxcatcher- Good story...(based on true story), but not convinced. If that's the case nominate Selma. White male again. 4. Nightcrawler - White male writer...but story is good. Worthy to be nominated...but still...not a woohoo for me. 5. Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson...ok white male (et Hugo)...but very original compared to the other nominees. My fave ...I am biased as I knew I would love it from watching the trailer. PREDICTION...Grand Budapest Hotel. (WINNER) No women in this category at all! 10% or so minority. = State of Affairs

@Mr. Corey and @All - Racism against Blacks, Racism against the Palestinians, Anti-Antisemitism - it's all part of the same package. @Mr. Corey - All you seem to be able to do is call names "idiotic" - "clueless" - etc. If you don't have a credible case, why don't you have the decency to admit it? Trying to debunk "The Guardian" is liking doing the same for the NYT or the W. Post. "The Guardian" is one of the most widely respected newspapers in the world. I don't have a dog in the fight between Israel and the Palestinians. I'm a Methodist. You haven't indicated your religion, but I think it is obvious what it is. Don't you believe in full disclosure - or would you rather hide the truth? I am not saying there is anything wrong with begin Jewish, but hiding it is. It is a clear conflict of interest and you owe it to the readers to let them know where you are coming from. Now let me give you a history lesson: The Israelis left their homeland centuries ago. They returned shortly after the end of WWII: "Illegal migration (Aliyah Bet) became the main form of Jewish entry into Palestine. Across Europe Bricha ("flight"), an organization of former partisans and ghetto fighters, smuggled Holocaust survivors from Eastern Europe to Mediterranean ports, where small boats tried to breach the British blockade of Palestine. Meanwhile, Jews from Arab countries began moving into Palestine overland. Despite British efforts to curb immigration, during the 14 years of the Aliyah Bet, over 110,000 Jews entered Palestine." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Israel A civil war ensued, and eventually the Palestinians were pushed out of their home country and put into what can only be called "internment camps". It is not much different than what happened to Black Americans since they were first imprisoned and brought to the US, what happened to Japanese-Americans during WWII, what happened to Blacks in South Africa during Apartheid, and even what happened to Jewish people in Nazi Germany. "There is no force on this earth powerful enough to stop the truth." You can count on that, Mr. Corey. Now, Mr. Corey, demonstrate your points again by calling me names instead facing the facts.

If anyone is wondering why "Selma" did not do better than it did (2 Oscar nominations), you probably already know that the filmmakers did not have the rights to use MLK Jr.'s actual speeches and had to use paraphrases instead. Who does have the rights? "The speeches delivered by Dr. King are property of his family’s estate, which licensed them in 2009 to DreamWorks and Warner Bros. for a biopic that Steven Spielberg hopes to eventually produce." https://www.yahoo.com/movies/making-selma-without-martin-luther-king-jr-... I seriously doubt that many Academy members want to step on Mr. Spielberg's toes. A movie garnering several Oscar awards right now would really damper chances for more Oscars for a subsequent MLK film later. "I'm just saying." And don't get me wrong - I love Spielberg's films. And another fact is that "Selma" received a lot of criticism for not being more historically correct. But as the following article points out, there is a reason for that: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/selma-martin-luther-king-...

@James - thanks for the update about Selma. Makes sense to me if the members knew about an upcoming biopic by Spielberg, to wait on the providing awards. Though it sucks for the current production of the movie still. However, you have written a scathing attack on Peter which isn't nice. You seem hell bent on some rebel without a cause crusade all of a sudden out of nowhere? (I think in the UK you could get an ASBO for that even...and linking my thoughts with Hitler...that one's on the list too I think Lol btw. Achtung! :-) No one cares about the other's religion as we should respect everyone no matter what religion, race, etc etc etc (in the words of The King and I). He presented an argument, which seemed to me, spot on and you subsequently provided a counter-argument. There is where the matter should end. You too have called names in this thread. Me for one... "con-artist" etc etc etc. Please let us not add bashing Israel to this list....etc. etc. etc :-)

@Mr. Corey - there were an extremely small number of Jews living in the area in or near the current day Israel prior to circa 1940. Essentially the Jews from Europe went in and stole the territory from the Arabs/Palestinians/etc. The vast majority of Israelis had NOT lived in that area for centuries. You call the Palestinians terrorists. They are extremely poor at that profession. They killed 5 Israeli civilians and that was justification to Israel for killing over 1,500 civilians. Are Israelis more important than other people? Osama Bin Laden provided his rationale for ordering the 9/11 attacks on the US. The top one was the US support of Israel. We lost almost 3,000 people that day. We have lost thousands more in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. How many more Americans have to die because Israel won't accept a fair settlement of the problem with their neighbors? Yes or No: Would you support a United Nations mandated settlement of the Israel/Palestine dispute? PS: Were those Americans who died in the World Trade Centers and in Iraq and Afghanistan Wars also idiots and schmucks?

@Mr. Corey - I agree that Ms. Scott is playing the race card - and with no justification. But do you have to use racial slurs to state that? Do you always have to call people names in an unsuccessful attempt to make a point?

Stop these stupid discussion please . It does n't go to anywhere except to give each other terrible names.Shabbat is now arriving the day of peace for everybody in the world of every opinon. PEACE ON EARTH PLEASE

@Mr. Corey - You don't trust the New York Times. You don't trust the Washington Post. You don't trust the Guardian. What do you trust? Netanyahu's propaganda machine?

@Siegal - Peace? Mr. Corey has enlightened me. All Arabs are terrorists. They must all be killed. Israel gave itself a very bad name when it started killing hundreds of innocent people. You want peace? Start treating Palestinians like humans. Is that too much to ask?

...and now back to our regularly scheduled programme... As Siegal said, let us continue in peace. Also, we don't want this thread to get the boot! These threads can really hurt people's feelings. That is not a good thing at all. They say words can't hurt...that is a lie. They can. My gauge is how would I feel if a 7year old were to read this? @James- there are other platforms...or you can start a thread of your own, where you can discuss your viewpoint on Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Richard Alan wrote: Here's a fun fact: The people who are in the Academy "club" are on the average 62 years old and 94 percent white. Anyone care to discuss this number? Relevant?

@Edith and @ Lisa - Neither one of you has bothered to provide a shred of evidence to support your claims. I don't care to be part of your own private pity parties. If you spent half as much time on your writing, you probably would be reaping the benefits of your efforts. Instead it's much more fun complaining and trying to dump your imaginary guilt trips on others.

@Lisa - The reason I think your complaining is invalid is that I have seen almost every movie theatrically released this year. I don't recall that many outstanding performances by Black actors. In other years, it has been quite the opposite. For example, most "experts" thought "12 Years a Slave" wasn't going to win many Oscars, I felt confident that it would. I was correct in 19 out of 24 choices, including all 8 of the top 8. My choices were posted in the Stage 32 Contest and several others. Unfortunately, there are even more accurate forecasters than I was! Most of the movies with predominantly Black casts this year were enjoyable and did very well at the box office. But they were never intended for Oscar contenders; but neither were most of the movies with predominantly white casts this year. By the way, I have big problems with several of the nominated films, actors, etc. But they are for reasons I can list. I don't have to pretend some great conspiracy holds people back. The limits are set up by those who don't want to accept the limits of their talents or who refuse to see how truly unlimited their talents are. Complaining is a lot easier. I liked "Get On Up" - but it was released so early in the year that most people forgot about it. That's a beginner's mistake on the part of the filmmakers. I think if you did your research, then you wouldn't be making these ridiculous claims and all this name-calling. But it's a lot easier to complain, throw mud, and dispense guilt trips, isn't it?

woohoo to Sundance! I also know that Nickelodean will launch a Black/Minority screenwriters programme. When I was growing up, I loved the movies. But I didnt see many people who looked like me in the big roles. For a time, I thought romance was something only "White people" did, because I never saw romantic love on the screen.... I didn't see people who looked like me be CEOs or Doctors (this is when I was a child now). Films are a medium...but a powerful one. It is nice to be able to imagine you can be something, do something just as other little kids have the opportunity on the big screen...ahhhh...but I have any numbers or evidence to prove any of that.

Question? I am in the heat of finishing my next script. There is a role for a "dark" male character playing a lead role. I was thinking? Who could play this character, if I were to pitch the script? I can't think of any really big Black, person of colour who is 20-40, strapping lad? I think Denzel too old...Idris Elba...too old? I am having to think quite hard to find minorities stars. This is the state of affairs for me at the moment. Suggestions how to go about this?

I don't think you need to worry, that's what casting directors are for ;-) ... but I think Idris could still play the top end of that range...Chewitel Ejifor, Ahley Walters, Daniel Kaluuya, Noel Clarke... either of the last two would be my picks.

@Anthony - but when you do a pitch session, isn't part of it saying yeah this movie is like X and I can see Y playing the male lead and Z playing the female lead? @Lisa- the script should be finished in April...(polishing - never ending of course)

Not too sure Edith, I write and sell shorts mostly, not needed to pitch those as yet ;-) I have heard the the X and Y thing is fairly common though, not too sure about actors, but you have a few suggestions now anyway.

I do cheers.

No probs, forgot to say... I put some feedback up on SimplyScripts for you http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-short/m-1420986133/ If you get active on the boards there too, you'll get more reads and feedback. Anthony

@Anthony- cheers! I didn't update that version. I really should try to "work" the site like you suggest! No....am on it.

"In addition, 33% of members are previous winners or nominees of Academy Awards themselves." I can easily see why these individuals are not qualified to determine what "Oscar-quality" truly means. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Motion_Picture_Arts_and_Sciences

@Ms. Scott, @Ms. Woi- Do you have any idea of how many Black entertainment professionals those veteran AMPAS members helped start and develop their movie, film, and TV careers? They've bucked they system when it was dangerous, politically and otherwise, to do so. I am truly impressed by your gratitude towards them and your understanding of the history of the movie business.

@James - thanks for that link which I will more on a bit later. You just informed me of something I wasn't aware of.... "The current president of the Academy is Cheryl Boone Isaacs.[3] She is the first African American and third woman to lead the Academy". Well done Academy. Change is a startin'. Happy James? I said something nice about the Academy:-)

Why don't you write her a letter of apology? You owe her and the Academy that after all the unsupported accusations that you have alleged against them.

@Ms. Woi - I think that you are far more in need of change than AMPAS is. You appear to know very little about that organization. Perhaps you will do some homework before you make more unproven, unsupported allegations.

You don't give someone an Oscar because of their race. You give it to them because of their performance.

@JDS- I do not think the Academy is racist systematically. I think the process and voting, and nominations for members LACKS transparency. It is as CBI stated herself a "peer to peer" and "confidential" process. I think I have a DIVERSE set of peers. I don't know about the members? If I only "hung" out with what psychologists state "people who are similar"...then how can we foster an environment of diversity. I don't want to ask you how many Blacks you know in the business or women or youth or foreign? Again, the problem is not racism (though there are racist in all sections of society and the world)....but to get down to making small strides for diversity requires at least a bit of awareness that there is something not completely right.

So race IS the issue. If the Academy were more diverse then more Blacks (and Latinos and Asians) would get nominated? So people would vote for their own race? If there was more transparency in the voting - if the public could see who each member voted for - how would that help? Would the Academy be better if the public could shame white voters who voted for whites? Would the Academy be better if the white voters felt pressure to vote for more Black, Latino and Asians? They already do. Each year they are attacked and called racists. Granted they are anonymous so adding transparency to the process would either shame them into voting based on race or hurt their careers if they don't vote based on race. So this IS about race not achievement.

@D Marcus - this is not about shaming. If I were a member..I would for sure nominate my friend in this or that dept to be a member too. We are human. I would suggest a totally revamp of the process by allowing an INDEPENDENT group to do the nominations actually. Why would someone be "ashamed" of who they voted for if it is on merit? Na ja. But that is MY suggestion if I were top dog in the Academy :-)

So if you were a member you would for sure nominate your friend over a non-friend. Not merit - friendship. I agree, that's human. It's wrong but it's human. A merit based award should go the person most deserving - not the best friend. But we are human. If people vote on merit there is no shame. People are suggesting that the Academy members are NOT voting on merit but are voting for whites because most are white. The charge is Academy members are nominating based on race. You said it; you would settle for just one minority. Merit isn't as important as race. If there were more transparency then voters would feel the need to vote in a way that would make activists happy - which is race based. You are aware (of course) there there are other awards given each year. Some nominated by the public and some nominated by INDEPENDENT groups, some nominated by specific groups like SAG, DGA and WGA. The Academy is just one of many and those voters are members of THAT group. Revamping that would make the Oscars the People's Choice Awards and we already have that. Good discussion.

All true. I think since the Oscars is revered as the "best" greater pressure is put on it in terms of equality. Those in high places, whether a person or organisation, often more than not, find themselves in the public's eye... They have to take more "hits" or "punches". If I established an awards scheme right now...and had only Black women nominees...no one would bat an eye :-))))

I think there is an important dynamic missing in this conversation and that is skill and craft. Those POC actors who have worked hard to hone their craft have been awarded for it. Sidney Portier, Will Smith, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Quvenzhané Wallis, and many more have demonstrated their skills and were credited for their hard work. I don't see any lack of race in any programming. I'm not so sure I understand the protest here. I have many times disagreed with the awards that were given and have never forgiven the Oscars for not awarding How to Train Your Dragon with the best film score. But judging is always always subjective, I know that as an artist who has entered many many art shows. I don't believe this is about friends nominating friends, though everyone in Hollywood knows each other. Everyone. The film industry is tight and territorial. I don't believe there is any racism in the film industry, really. If you are a good actor you will get cast if you fit the part. If your screenplay is what they're looking for they'll buy it if they think it can sell.

I think you're right, Edith. But all only White women awards would have a lot of resistance. Race matters. I know that many people believe the Oscars should be more about equality - race over merit. Maybe that would make a better award. Just because I'm a curious person; Edith, in the acting nominations who you remove and who would you nominate in their place to make the nominees more equal and diverse? Obvious just your personal choice.

@D Marcus- I certainly would wish that Oscars only stands for merit! I just feel (and I have a friend who works in Hollywood), that is more than just "art of acting". It is a personal thing. It's a business. (mind you this person is White guy...great guy, my friend:-). Irrespective of race, getting "cast" for a role is a lottery sometimes. Also, it is "personality"....and getting past those barriers, then an artist can have free reign to hone in on skills that attracts the attention of merit awards. So I am no actor...and not sure if I give off a "mean Black woman vibe" Lol? But I would imagine, if I were a great actor....and being a Black female...there are a few obstacles I would have to overcome practically speaking.. 1. If all scripts have stories/character which doesn't fit minorities- why would a casting director have a casting call for "my kinda roles" 2. If it is a neutral role....then I would "imagine" that I would be up against (female role) other White, female actors. I think I would, at that stage REALLY have to impress the people OVER and BEYOND to make them feel I am "nice and flexible" to work with. But would I have to "act White" to make people ..."ooh she is really acting well for a ....."? A lot of roles the Black actors play in are role ONLY Blacks really could have played ...ok Will Smith is amazing and isnt type cast... but in 12 Years a Slave...no way could a White person have played the slave? This is what I tried to say before as well. I would like more universal stories that happen to have minorities in them. Not stories where the character obviously has to be Black e.g. slave, etc. Just normal romance, or drama, or sci-fi that "happens" to have minorities playing a role. I mean when that Black British guy was seen in the trailer for Star´Wars....I am sorry...the comments on youtube! People saying they wouldnt watch it because a Black person was a Storm Tropper! What the feck is a StormTropper!!!??? I thought is this the state of affairs. And Hollywood at the end of the day is about the colour GREEN as we have noted. So it is a balance that will not be so easily achieved. I accept that....

Edith, you do not give off a mean Black woman vibe. I'm really enjoying this discussion with you. And I agree with you; the Oscars is not nor ever has been about merit. It's a popularity contest.

...oh pressed Post too soon. So to answer your question DMarcus...like James stated...I am a regular working woman writing in my spare time. I don't have access to all the theatrical projects made each year to decide from that pool what is Oscar worthy. However, from the choices that I do have....I would choose The Grand Budapest Hotel!!! Lol....I keep saying that. But if I were able to watch lets say 200 films in the year (not sure how many the Academy watches per year on average)...then maybe I would answer differently. I don't have that access unfortunately.

so we are back to the choice of the people and not of the Academy which should only give Oscars in relation to the public attendance all over the country or the world. Just as the critics are not rarely in complete dissonance with the like of the public. A Question is raised now :which are the best juges of a movie, critics and as such Academy or the public? in my opinion it is the public . By the way ,thank God, we are back to a real discussion on the minorities in the movie industry and nominations: A day of rest probably did the job.Good night from me to all the rest of the world.

@Ms. Siegal Annette - I don't think you realize how faulty your logic is. If people are the best choices of movies, then the highest grossing movie should receive the awards. People voted with their money. According to Box Office Mojo, the highest grossing film was "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" at $334+ domestic gross. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2014 Your logic would grant all the Oscars to this movie. No clearer, better way of voting exists. I'm sorry, but as imperfect as it might be, the current system is far better.

@Siegal Annette - not everyone rested yesterday. In fact, I read an article I would like to share with you from the LA Times: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/israeli-plans-for-building-new-settl...

Even though I have repeatedly asked both Ms. Woi and Ms. Scott to do so, neither one will indicate either one actor or one movie that was snubbed by the AMPAS this year. Ms. Woi indicates that she has a small income and couldn't afford to go to many movies. She did mention "The Grand Budapest Hotel" - but I fail to see how that relates to Black entertainment professionals getting snubbed. And Ms. Scott hasn't mentioned anything either. "Guilty until proven innocent!" It's a new concept in justice - and apparently some people are willing to accept it.

@Mr. Corey - It is an out-and-out lie on your part to suggest that Israel does not closely limit ALL imports to Gaza. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_imports Isn't bearing false witness against your neighbor prohibited by your religion? And one more thing- I don't want anyone dying in the Middle East. But when Israel kills 1,500 Palestinian civilians in retribution for the loss of 5 Israeli citizens, it is murder. And you can not change that fact by trying to twist the truth. Murder is also prohibited by your religion, isn't it? Do you really think you can fool God?

@Mr. Corey - calling people "dupes" does not support your case. It shows you don't have one. France is one of the most modern, best educated countries on earth. There are very very countries left who support the current treatment of the Palestinians by Israel. There is an old saying that if one person tells you that you have a tail, you will laugh at him. If ten people tell you that you have a tail, you will turn around and look. When are you going to open your eyes and see the reality the whole world sees?

@Mr. Corey - Do you have any authoritative sources for your claims regarding the populations of the Middle East in the 1940s? Or are you just making it up as you go along? There were violent outbursts from Black Americans during their struggle for freedom and equality. Even this country, when it decided it no longer wanted British rule, fought for freedom and independence. The same is true for South Africa during the time of Apartheid. You cannot expect people to accept oppression without opposition. So, if you want anyone to believe that the disproportionate deaths during this last uprising is justified, I'm sorry, the world is just not that stupid. We may have been dupes in the past, but no longer.

Isnt't this SuperBowl weekend in America? @JDS! I stated Grand Budapest Hotel from the choices given.... CORRECTION: (though I love being thought of as poor..especially to the tax man:-) - I didn't state that I had " a small income and couldn't afford to go to many movies". That would be lying innit. And I don't want to go to confession for that. I stated, I have "day job" and writing is what I do in my spare time. I have to work to earn money to keep a roof over my head. At this stage in my career, I have yet to secure any income from my writing....YET...(watch this space:-). Therefore, I don't have time to watch many movies with a job and other responsibilities. I can watch some, like normal movie goers, but my "job" at the moment isn't to watch movies and give them a grade. But oh.....if that is what you do all day...we have a day Job Swap! New Reality TV....hahaha. I do your job for a day...and you do mine :-))))

@JDS - using your logic "if one person tells you that you have a tail, you will laugh at him. If ten people tell you that you have a tail, you will turn around and look"....then why do you say my "accusations" unfounded? Have you taken a look at your "TAIL" today:-)? What about CBI making clear statements to the press about it being a challenge to make strides in diversity within the Academy? So there is credence to my opinions. @Peter and @Siegal - I hope you don't entertain the lovely JDS with more Palestine/Israel talk hahaha. I think he is set in his opinion....and no amount of gold will change his views.... however, JDS...shall I start a thread about your topic for you?

@Ms. Woi - I don't think you could do one of my days! You have no idea of how much time I spend writing and marketing my work. If you aren't watching movies, and a lot of them, you have no idea of what the market wants and what is good quality. If you spent half as much time working on your craft as you do making unsupported complaints, you would be a lot better off. But it's a lot more fun attacking a system that you know almost nothing about (and have proved that repeatedly in your posts above) than it is in doing something constructive with your time. However, you have taught be a valuable lesson: “Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.” - the late great George Carlin, comic genius and long-time old white guy By the way, Mr. Carlin never won an Oscar, and he (to the best of my knowledge) never complained about it.

@Ms Woi- I beg to differ about your days...I think living in your shoes for 1 day would be a great British holiday excursion for me! Firstly, I'll be a White guy...I would first sit back and take deep breath and not worried about the salesperson sticking close to me when walking in the fancy designer clothes shop. TICK haha! Secondly, marketing...in the words of Daniel Cleaver (Bridget Jones's Diary) don't people like you only "You swan in in your short skirt...and your sexy see-through blouse...and fanny around with press releases." I think I can do that. TICK! And...watching movies all day you say? Why not since no one will think I am some gangster selling drugs not making a contribution to society . TICK ! Finally...writing all day? Again, I can do a job and list it on my tax declaration, and expense as many things as possible as a "business expense", e.g. coffee, computer, driving miles, going to the cinema, buying food.. TICK! Hey...whenever you want to exchange let me know!? :-)

@Woi - I see no more than one movie per day. I usually go to the "dollar movies" rather than the first run showings. I do get a lot of screening passes because people know who I am. I don't take my movie expenses off my taxes. I don't go into stores that in which I can't afford to buy merchandise. I have no problem with security people following me around - and it has happened to me on several occasions. I use it as an opportunity to get to know people and you could, too - that is, if you weren't so prejudiced. You could use it as an opportunity to show people you were honest. Instead, it seems like your life is constantly complaining about everything. I don't know what you are talking about with references to BJD. Don't you think you could be more clear? I have spent more time today doing work than you have, and I am sure I do everyday. Everyone who knows me personally and professionally knows how hard I work. You appear to work two things all day long: Your mouth and your fingers. And on completely unproductive things. And finally, there is one thing about your life that I couldn't do. Non-stop complaining.

anyone...do I need to say more after JDS response to my utterly ridiculous previous remark? "“Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.” - the late great George Carlin, comic genius and long-time old white guy By the way.... I was just testing you to see if you would respond. Easy peasy. Actually I am watching the movie Mr Hulot's Holiday...I think it was out when during your time, so you probably had a screening pass to watch that one as well. wink wink.

Peter, and James. Again, in the interest in keeping the forum a pleasant and productive place for us all to visit, I'm going to request you try and find a way of closing or walking away from your irrelevant debates and personal attacks. It's actually distressing to read through and reflects badly on this otherwise quite positive and friendly community.

I am not complaining, but stating something that affects a lot of screenwriters (I think). A lot of contests, and the best ones are more expensive, require a lot of money to enter. I know I know...they have to make money...but it can be a barrier if one doesn't have contacts in the business. Sure, one day some bored exec might pick up the script from an assistant...but why can't there be more sites like Stage32....and maybe as Lisa suggested to BlackList...1 day a year...have a free submissions policy...e.g. 1st time screenwriters category...FREE!!! Or Women's Day...or Black and Minority Day....and even 1 day for Men's day!!???? At least, maybe once a year...a few diamonds could be mined? Just sayin.

I'm completely with you CJW.lets stay on relevant questions and leave this political and unproductive fight between Sullivan and Corey .they could continue on their personal mail to fill the place with lengthey undissolvable propositions and conterpropositions.Let them alone on the ring . We are discussing here more trivial subjects on cinema and minorities represented or not in the Academy and the Oscars.As for me I delete their dialogue without reading their lengthy texts and continue with more sympathic and shorter opinions of your all. Included Edith my dear.

Edit, the difficult thing with trying to run a competition targeted to a specific demographic is validating the submissions actually come from that demographic. All you've got is names and claims. For example, The BlackList did run a special diversity program apparently targeted at those who have very limited access to the industry. However, this was only targeted at BL customers who'd scored highly on the site, thus having paid, and were actively hosting their scripts, thus paying a monthly fee. So right off the bat a huge number of that targeted audience ironically didn't have access. Worse still some of those shortlisted were hardly what you would consider disadvantaged. One of them was a multiple screenplay competition winner, harvard graduate, wife of an international airline pilot, who gets paid to attend film festivals and announced her successes while holidaying in Venice. Now I don't blame her for entering, but I do really question how that really helps the people that need help, particularly when the program winner worked for the very same organisation BL partnered with. A near perfect system has existed for some time now, it's email querying. It offsets all the cost onto those already making money and it is near free. Sadly not quite in the reach of everybody, and that does need addressing. Sites like BL and those that sell email directories are designed to turn that free process into a costly barrier to entry that generates profit.

@CJ- vetting ...hmmm excellent point. Now regarding this "List" with a directory of people one can submit to.... I have not been able to even find a way to "buy" it. I have googled a few contacts directly, but that is it. I think it is a barrier. If you don't know the "who's who" you would just be emailing "info@blahblah"...getting you nowhere. What would happen if one person bought the list...and then gave it to other people freely? Is that illegal? :-)

Edith, there is no one list these days. You can buy directory access from DoneDealPro, Script Pipeline, Screenwriting Directory, and others. However these are full of dead or useless email addresses like the info@ type aliases you mention. Plus they of course don't come cheap. Lists do get shared, there's some groups who have such things as Google docs they all submit to. There have also been people like Gerard Jones who've tried to make many addresses public: http://everyonewhosanyone.com/tt/tgpc1.html Sadly it's a bit of a catch-22. The more a potential query email address is shared the more it becomes abused and flooded with queries and submissions. Therefore the recipient understandably shuts the account down. The best systems I've seen, and I think these may be the future, are the ones used by Trigger Street and Amazon Studios. You get a free listing in exchange for giving the directory owner a degree of exclusivity on rights. Sadly Trigger Street has shut down but I can see reps, prodcos, and studios using a similar system.

Success really costs. Whether one has to quit their job and leave to one of the main industry hubs, or shell out hundreds or thousands on getting themselves exposure. People on a limited budget...well... Life isn't easy. I guess it's like getting a college degree...it is an investment. So those who are willing to sacrifice (if it pinches) will have to do so. There is no EASY street in Hollywood! :-)

Edith, I think you missed the point of my question. You said, " I would settle just for one minority nomination at the Oscars this year" so I asked who do you think was missed. Your opinion only, not based on access to all the theatrical projects made each year to decide from that pool what is Oscar worthy - just your personal opinion. Is there on minority who you feel should have gotten an Oscar nomination this year that did not?

@D Marcus - no. I don't feel anyone nominated this year was snubbed. I feel that there was a lack of "potential"...and I stress "potential" unmade movies, that "could" have been made . But again, I don't even know how many were made with minorities....nor have I had a chance to watch them. Mind you...I don't live in America....so the number of films that we get over has even less minorities! @Dan - good point. Noted. Here you go old chap! https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/How-can-one-use-Feedback-to... :-)))

It's the Lisa Scott box....famous Stage32 commentator and watchdog supporter for equality in Screenwriting as well as the wider Hollywood industry. @Lisa..is that about right LOL

For instance, "The sky is falling!"

@JDS - glad to see your sense of humour:-) I have gone to some websites and found a couple of good shorts with Black characters (language clearly minorities) that with the right actors and directing...Oscar worthy! Even Peter has a lovely short with minorities.... https://www.stage32.com/profile/248167/Screenplay/UNIQUE Please if anyone of you have them....post them! Let's find more Oscar scripts to support and get a following....

Yet you don't have time to see theatrical movies. Not even one a week. Great sense of priorities.

Here's something you need to think about. You don't have the demographics quite right on the AMPAS members. Yes, they're primarily white. Yes, they're primarily male. Yes, they are not spring chickens anymore. But you missed out what may be the most important demographic that defines Hollywood professionals: Religion. Take a look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_actors You would be better off directing your theories about how biased and unfair the Oscars are to Mr. Peter Corey - you remember the one who likes to stereotype you in racist ways? See how far you get with him!

There are thousands of scripts written every year. Some estimates are as high as 25-50 thousand. Some of these win prestigious contests. And some are written by established writers. Ms. Woi, do you really think that anyone in Hollywood is going to pay attention to a list compiled by someone who watches - what was it? - 2 movies a year and who constantly spews out hate and vitriol concerning something she clearly knows nothing about?

By the way, just so you know: Most of the truly great actors and actresses are on that list. I hope most of them don't have the personalities that Mr. Corey does. But whether the do or not, I enjoy them tremendously in their acting roles. In fact, I would have liked to have seen Jake Gyllenhaal nominated (and win) the Oscar for Best Actor. "It's just my opinion."

Let me give you an example of fairness. A couple of years ago, I was part of the judging team of a speech contest. I saw the way the votes went, although I did not vote myslef. There were 4 white judges (men and women) and three black judges (all women). All of the judges were very well qualified and highly experienced speakers. I watched the contest. There were two contestants in this round. One white male and one black female. The lady was a good speaker, but not a great one. The man was far more experienced and was (and still is) a great speaker. It was no contest at all. He beat her in every category the judges scored, in my opinion. And beat her handily. Yet, when it came to voting time, all three of the black female judges voted for the black contestant. The scores from the white judges gave some points to the lady, but most went to the man. That guy does not know how lucky he is, because it was a clear example of racial prejudice on the part of the black judges. It made me sick, and I lost a lot of respect from those ladies - women I have known for years. (I have also known the other judges for years, and I am confident they voted in the true spirit of fairness.) There are plenty of very talented black speakers. The best one I know of right now is President Obama. He is better than any white speaker I know of. Former President Clinton is pretty close, but Clinton doesn't have the eloquence of Obama. So, please don't tell me I am biased. I know better than that. And I also know that you two, without displaying any real evidence, are wrong. If someone got snubbed, neither of you has mentioned who you think it is. So, you either don't know any or you know once you mention someone, everyone will know that you are wrong.

Religion is another area. This thread is about Black and minorities as it relates to the Oscars. Jake...I mean I would give up candy for him...but this year...I feel (based on the trailers) he didn't stretch himself too much in his role. BTW...a minority could have been cast in that role easily :-))))

Sorry that happened. I guess you could understand why a whole race of people, who have that happen on a daily basis, would feel about certain matters. Maybe you should have asked them why they voted as such? If you had a relationship, albeit professional, with those women. I have stated...for BestMovie this year...Grand Bupadest..but there is an Indian male in it (supporting:-). JDS can answer this? Do you read when I write "I didn't feel, given the choice there were, that anyone was snubbed. I feel there are many other diverse stories out there to be made". Can you CONFIRM?

I just finish reading the script sent free to us together with 8 others on line.Budapest scrit is very good.I'll continue with the others. There is a folkloric indian second actor quite good too stereotype of an intelligent and humoristic minority .however the heros is white and british style quite funny.the 2 could win an Oscar together the scriptwriter.Lets wait and see

yes..I knew Wes Anderson is White...but he is good! Maybe not everyone's cup of tea...but I like his style. I have to say that no movie really peaked my interest besides GBH and The Hobbit (am a Peter Jackson fan). Some years I have a list of movies I wish to see...but this year..none of the stories really grabbed me.

Here is a run down of the films I would like to see in 2015....10 of them. One, I think, has a Black/Minority Lead....so that is good. Though I don't it will be an Oscar worthy performance...but I would love to be wrong:-) Mission: Impossible V Minions Avengers 50 Shades of Grey Fantastic Four Star Wars - Cinderella Crouching Dragon Hidden Tiger II: The Green Destiny Black or White The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

@Lisa- I love Taratino as well. If I could mentor with him...that would be amazing. But you know he is 1/4 Indian...

Very true about Tarantino. What's interesting there is how casting of his scripts became more diverse once he had a lot more power behind his projects. True Romance and Natural Born Killers, which he wrote but didn't direct, weren't very diverse as was Reservoir Dogs which barely got made. Once he was in the driving seat it all seemed to change. He's also done some really impressive stuff elsewhere too. For Death Proof the majority of the more intense stunt driving for Tracie Toms' character was done by the super experienced Tracy Keehn-Dashnaw who had to black-up to do so. However, for some of the stunts, the production company went out of their way to find a young female black stunt driver and found Chrissy Weathersby Ball. It would have been so easy for the team to just recast the character as white but they didn't, they did it the hard way and helped kick start a young woman's career. I actually managed to connect with Chrissy Weathersby Ball last year and it was a genuine punch the air moment.

@CJ...yet again you bring up a good point. Stunt doubles/actors. They get work as well (for action sequences) if the role calls for minorities. "punch the air moment". hahahaha. I could just see you "raise the roof" . LOL

Edith, LOL! I was grinning from ear to ear! I've also been fortunate to connect with Michelle Rodriguez' FF7 stunt stand-in and she read one of scripts. I felt really awkward because I bought two stock images of white women three years ago and use them for promotion, it's like I'm saying white women only and I don't like that.

@CJ... you remind me of the Charlies' s Angels scene when Lucy Lu, Diaz et al dressed as those race car engineers.....and you are Boz :-) Younger version. ?more handsome naturally Lol..... hey it's just stock. Something I would tease you if I were her! Personally I use White dudes on all my scripts bahaaaaaaaa. You really get around!!

Well thankfully she loved the script and wants to play the lead. Incidentally she's requested a prodco read it. I checked the prodco out and in their materials there's a picture of one of the partners (with with Barack and Michelle Obama and Oprah. I was like, holy crap, that's an absolute powerhouse right there.

@CJ...and that's when you know it was MEANT TO BE!!!! I am going to start another thread about writing a series now :-))))

Thought this was relevant to this thread though initially posted by another member. David Oyelowo Quote: “To me, Denzel Washington should’ve won for playing Malcom X…so this bears out what I’m saying, which is, we just got to come to the point where by there isn’t a self-fulfilling prophecy a notion of who black people are that feeds into what we’re celebrated as. Not just in the Academy, just in life generally.” Oyelowo also went on to note how difficult it is to produce films that showcase black characters in an empowering role -- such as the one he played of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in "Selma." “We have been slaves, we have been domestic servants, we have been criminals,” he continued. “We have been all of those things, but we’ve been leaders, we’ve been kings, we’ve been those who changed the world. And those films, where that is the case, is so hard to get made.” Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/02/david-oyelowo-oscar-snub-subservient-roles_n_6598036.html

Anyone read this! The Grand Budapest Hotel won top prize. I am satisfied hehe :-). http://in.mobile.reuters.com/article/idINKBN0LJ05U20150215?irpc=932

...and "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes received a lifetime achievement award for her television work and spoke of the need for more diversity in Hollywood. (same link)

How about a life-time achievement award for Bill Cosby?

@Caroline...so VERY true. Honestly I can't temember ANY N.A. artists. I do know Taratino is like 1/4 N.A. There were eras in the movie industry when we had diversity...or I think as I was too young. The old westerns had loads of N.A. though stereotypical....the blaxsploitation period of the 70s...

Generally speaking, I don't think I ever really met (to have a sit down conversation) with a N.A. when I lived in the states. I know a LOT of Black folk he would say "I'm half Indian....look at my hair"...but that was the extent of it. And I don't know any stories from their POV. Would be interesting I know....am I am not mentioning Pocahontes !!!

Josh Welsh, Spirit Awards said, "The lack of diversity in the film industry is an industry-wide problem, a deep cultural problem and it’s not the problem of just one awards show. The entire industry has to grapple with that. The awards come at the end of the filmmaking process. The real problems with diversity come much earlier in that process. It comes with determining who gets their story told, who gets their film financed, which films get a real P&A commitment from the distributors, that’s where the decisions need to be made to make the industry more inclusive. Then I think the awards will follow suit. I think the diversity issue does come up during awards season, because it’s so glaringly obvious there, but really, the problems with diversity are happening at a much deeper level in the industry." (Source: http://www.thewrap.com/office-with-a-view-film-independent-president-jos...) Busy writing ...tah for now.

NYT made a great point. "In the end,it was the audience that got snubbed." http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/02/24/movies/awardsseason/oscars-show-gro...

Like someone said...hate the game not the player. So I want to congratulate ALL the winners and nominees of the 87th Oscars! Well done

Well if there weren't films with women or blacks etc good enough to be nominated then whining about it won't do anything. The films either exist or they don't. I guess the industry reflects the majority of people in the industry. They can't nominate films just to appease certain demographics. They're nominating the best films made (in their opinion). As a woman i would love to see more women represented in the industry and I think that's growing. Though to be honest I don't care a jot for the Academy awards so none of it bothers me.

@Cherie "whining"? I never. I hear your point...but feel you, too have missed the point. To use an analogy...the Oscars are like the final a product in a process...let's say they are a "sausage". The sausage awards is for the best sausage made. However, I am questioning the ingredients used to make the sausage. I repeat....I am not saying the sausages who are nominated don't deserve that accolade. What I am raising a question about is having more "ingredients" in the sausage. Every year the same sausages are being nominated and judged. Wouldn't be "nice".....a reflection of an evolved society to have sausages that don't come from the same factory...or have the same ingredients always being nominated and read? If you couldn't understand that....then I guess I can see why my original query wasn't completely understood. Lol. I guess congratulating everyone is still whiny ? :-)

@ Lisa - you can thank your kids at home, obviously! But it was a sly, smart move. Anyone who's given thanks at a mike knows you do not have time to mention everyone. Somebody's feelings WILL be hurt. He made it personal -- but I think he was being CLEVER. :-D

I was a bit surprised by the Arquette cry for equal, pay in Hollywood so it made an impact. I thought actors didn't get paid based on sex but pulling power or popularity. @Eric...ouch "black movies". I like "stories by black and minorities" better ;-). I could write a whole script without one fixed black character in it.....so if no one saw my fave it could be a "white movie" ? Lol

@JohnH - well I am not Black either. I've said this before I am Chocolate and I too didn't win anything Lol.

'when we watch a movie with almost all-white actors and one or two blacks actors, our eyes are not "aggressed"by the dark color of their skin as if there is an equilibrium of colors .We have been brain washed from the early time of cinema to look at white(greyish) pale faces and bodies. As if it is a must in pictures just like we have almost only pictures of a white Jesus in spite of the fact that Jesus must have been extremely dark skinned. It will take quite long time to reconstruct our cerebral lobes to accept images of all black actors movie. That will be the first step. After that, beautifull scripts played by blacks as many as whites will be the future of the polychrome cinema. Acceptation of the stranger is a difficult task. Hollyhood and the Academy will be then perfectly equilibrated.

Women do get paid the same as men. From he Congressional Budget Office taking everything into consideration same same,

@Mark- over my head. How does the CBO dictate wages for men/women?

Meh, we are all better than the snobby lot in the Oscars in my opinion. they can kiss my @$$

Of course the CBO would be interested in this question for projections of wage and tax income. Men are in higher positions generally then women. You can discuss whether this is right but it's true. Because of position men work many "free" hours where women get a lower pay check ..balance. Women take more time off then men. Women use benefits more then men .. health care etc etc etc. Try to Google the study.

@Leon LOL. @Mark - Women don't necessarily take off more time. If a woman is in charge of the childcare, then maybe she has more responsibilities if child is ill, etc. However, men waste a hell of lot of time on porn sites, or on personal pursuits whereas women tend to be more relational. Just generalising here. I wouldn't care about "free hours". Place holders shouldn't be paid? If you are can do a job in 8 hours...do it! That is what women do. Therefore, if it takes you 10 h ours, then you (the man) is inefficient and their "per hour" wage should reflect accomplishing less work.

@Eric- fair enough point (sorry...thought my comment was posted earlier)

Men work more "free" hours?? Honestly some of the comments I've read in this thread are really pathetic.

I just read somewhere that Leonard Nimoy (RIP) demanded Nichelle get the same pay on Star Trek....and they did it! So I guess there is an issue. After the Sony attacks, wasn't it revealed that on one movie Jennifer Lawrence was paid so much less than Bradley Cooper...my point being, if two actors are in the same movie...then something is wrong when one gets more salary? I can understand pulling power as I wouldnt expect Will Smith to be paid the same as a lesser Lead actress.

@Emmett...wth!!?ß Lol. I am in your network now and saw your 29 loglines!!! Good lord! And good on you writing with diversity. Best of luck and keep us posted! :-)

@Emmett- bless you dude. I hope soon, script writing software comes with voice-recognition for visually impaired users. So many good causes out there to help others. The human body is magnificent. I am sure when you were younger, you wouldn't have been able to juggle so much in your head! I mean you are a man hahahaha! Jokes aside, I find it amazing. Best of luck with them all.