51.
Directions: Read the following passage. Summarize the main idea and the main point(s) of the passage in no more than 60 words. Use your own words as far as possible.
Changing Times Bring New Standards
The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, have long been one of the film industry's most famous awards. However, despite its 92-year history, the awards show has come under fire in recent years for not recognizing enough multicultural performers and directors.
In response to this lack of representation, the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that oversees the Oscars, has announced new diversity requirements for future films to be submitted to the Best Picture category in 2024.
They require nominees to meet at least two out of four sets of standards, aiming to increase inclusion for underrepresented groups — people of color, women and people with disabilities — both on and off-screen. These standards include a minimum requirement for underrepresented groups at the executive level.
Four years ago, OscarsSoWhite quickly drew attention, highlighting the absence of minority representation among previous nominees. It also pointed out that the voting committee has been largely white and male for decades, noted The New York Times.
Ever since, the Academy has looked to increase its diversity by promising to double female and minority members in 2016. For example, the South-Korean film Parasite , which features an all-Asian cast, won four Oscars at the 2020 Academy Awards.
However, the latest move has its doubters. Some have said that the awards body should be focusing on awarding what they consider to be the best film, rather than limiting what can be nominated, noted Forbes. Richard Grenell, the current US ambassador to Germany, also criticized the move, saying that "It's no longer the Best Picture, it's the Most Politically Correct Picture."
Others, though, have praised the initiative. Culture critic Sonny Bunch wrote that, "The academy is finally — finally! — doing something to ensure that underrepresented groups have a shot."
Arguably, The New York Times said it best. While it noted that the requirements were "easy for most studios to satisfy'',the initiative will show voters the extent to which diversity standards were met.
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