Oscars: NAACP Applauds Academy's Diversity Efforts

"The progress that is being made by AMPAS is certainly going in a very positive direction," the group says.

The Academy’s efforts to diversify by inviting a record 683 new members, including large numbers of women and people of color, has won the approval of the NAACP.

Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP board of directors, released a statement today complimenting the Academy and citing Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, a past recipient of the NAACP Hall of Fame Award, for “her efforts to open the door, especially to more people of color, women and those that have the opportunity to grow and contribute to the industry’s future.”

Saying that the NAACP "has ideas that we believe could further enhance what you are currently doing,” Brock said that her organization would like to work with the Academy to make “your overall initiative a model for the entertainment industry.”

The complete statement follows:

On behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) I want to compliment The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on their commitment to diversity across all areas and congratulate the 683 filmmakers and craftspeople extended invitations to become members of your prestigious organization. I have had the pleasure of speaking and meeting with Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who is a past recipient of the NAACP Hall of Fame Award, and applaud her efforts to open the door, especially to more people of color, women and those that have the opportunity to grow and contribute to the industry's future. The progress that is being made by AMPAS is certainly going in a very positive direction with more that can be done. In that regard, the NAACP has ideas that we believe could further enhance what you are currently doing. We would welcome the opportunity to share our ideas with you. We believe the NAACP and AMPAS can play an important and lasting leadership role in making your overall initiative a model for the entertainment industry.

The NAACP continues to believe that the “O” in Oscar should stand for Opportunity.

Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman NAACP National Board of Directors