Emma Watson and John Boyega to join Academy Awards panel to increase diversity

Shaking things up: Emma Watson has been asked to join the Academy Awards panel (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
Jennifer Ruby30 June 2016
The Weekender

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Emma Watson and John Boyega are among a host of new stars invited to vote in next year’s Academy Awards.

The British actors will join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a bid to increase diversity following this year’s ‘#OscarsSoWhite’ backlash.

A list of 683 filmmakers and actors has been announced in the Academy’s largest and most diverse membership drive ever.

After being heavily criticised for its predominantly white, male membership, the awards body is now focusing on recruiting women and ethnic minorities.

Other stars invited to join for the first time include Idris Elba, Brie Larson, Michael B Jordan, Eva Mendes, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander and Mary J Blige.

Rising British star Tom Hiddlestone has also been added to the list, as has Oscar-winner Mark Rylance.

A statement on the Oscars website read: "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 683 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.

"Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2016."

Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said: “We’re proud to welcome these new members to the Academy, and know they view this as an opportunity and not just an invitation, a mission and not just a membership.”

She went on to urge Hollywood to “open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry.”

On Thursday morning, Boyega tweeted: “Always a blessing to be one of the many Oscar voters that will hopefully spark change. Big thanks! #classof2016."

The Oscars 2016

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