Edited by Adedeji Oluwafemi
Introduction
In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about the lack of diversity among nomination categories in award shows. Many people believe that the industry is still biased toward certain genders, nationalities, tribes, and races. While some progress has been made, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go.
However, over the years, it has become evident that the nomination categories lack diversity, and this has been a cause of concern for many. In this article, we will explore the lack of diversity among nomination categories in award shows and its probable consequences
The Importance of Award Shows
Award shows have always been a great platform to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals in various domains. It is an opportunity to appreciate the talent and hard work that goes into bringing the best of entertainment, literature, and art to the world.
Award shows are a time for the best in the industry to come together and celebrate their accomplishments.
Problems Associated With Award shows
The root cause of the problem lies in the lack of diverse representation in the industry. Many talented people from different ethnic and racial backgrounds are often overlooked for roles and opportunities that would allow them to showcase their skills in the entertainment industry. This, in turn, leads to a lack of representation in award shows, as the pool of nominees is limited.
The problem with the award shows is that they tend to stick to a set of criteria that does not always take into account the diverse talent that is out there. For example, the music industry is spawning out various genres of music which award shows cannot keep up with. Because of this, many musical gems are not appreciated due to the lack of an award category for their music.
Additionally, there are often limited categories for actors of color, leaving little opportunity for deserving candidates to be recognized for their amazing work.
This lack of diversity in nomination categories is detrimental not only to the individuals who do not get the recognition they deserve but also to the industry as a whole. By not acknowledging the diverse talents in the industry, we are sending out a message that the only people who matter are those who fit into the status quo. This limits creativity and results in an industry that does not truly reflect the diversity of our society.
How to address problems with award shows
So, the question is: what can be done to address this issue? The answer is simple:
- Award shows need to expand their nomination categories to reflect the diversity of talents in the industry. This could include categories that recognize the work of actors from historically marginalized communities, transgender actors, differently-abled actors, and more.
- Award shows also need to be more intentional about recognizing the talents of individuals from different backgrounds. Instead of focusing on celebrities with name recognition and popularity, award shows should prioritize diversity in their recognition of talent. This would send out a message of inclusion, recognizing that creativity and excellence come in many different forms.
Why is Diversity Important in Award Shows?
Diversity is not just an ethical stance. It is essential to ensure that all individuals are given equal opportunities to showcase their talent and receive recognition. In award shows, diversity is crucial because it ensures that a wider range of films, books, and art are recognized. Award shows are an image of society, and if particular groups are underrepresented, it sends a message that their contributions are not valued or worthy. It is crucial to ensure that individuals from different backgrounds, genders, and races are given a level playing field.
Award shows should celebrate talents from all backgrounds since each one deserves a platform to showcase their skills. When a diverse range of talent is nominated for an award, it helps to promote the fact that everyone is equal and that talent should not be based on differences. Moreover, it makes the award more exciting as there is a mix of artists from different backgrounds, and fans can see their favorite artists being recognized for their work.
Examples of Lack of Diversity in Nomination Categories
The lack of diversity in nomination categories has been a persistent issue in various award shows. For instance, the Oscars have been criticized for their lack of representation of female directors and actors of color.
In 2015, the Academy Awards faced criticism for not nominating any actors of color in the major categories. The Academy Awards is one of the biggest award shows in the industry and was at the forefront of controversy in recent years. The awards faced public backlash for their lack of diversity among nominees, and the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite trended on social media. The controversy forced the Oscars to take steps to improve diversity in their nomination categories by diversifying the voting committee. The lack of diversity has also been a problem in the music industry, where women and non-white artists are overlooked in major categories
Consequences of Lack of Diversity in Nomination Categories
The lack of diversity in nomination categories has significant consequences.
- It promotes a homogenous culture that does not cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the audience.
- It undermines the meritocracy that award shows are supposed to represent.
- It excludes many individuals who have been working hard but are not recognized due to their background or race.
- It also sends a message to the younger generation that success is only for a select few, and yet they should aspire to be like those that are being recognized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diversity is crucial in nomination categories in award shows. It ensures that a wide range of talent is being recognized and promotes a culture that respects different backgrounds and races. Award shows should strive to make their nomination procedures more inclusive and aim to recognize the contribution of all individuals equally. By doing so, they can create a more inclusive society and set an example for others to follow. It is important to celebrate the hard work and contributions of all individuals, irrespective of their race or gender, and award shows should lead the way in this regard.
