Academy Of Motion Pictures Invites 22 Hispanics To Join

By admin July 5, 2013 16:55

After complaints that the Academy (of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences) did not have enough Latino representation, the group recently sent out invitations to 22 Hispanic actors and executives to urge them to join the board. (This organization gives out the Academy Awards, known as the Oscars.) The exclusive body that selects top movies and actors of the year limits the number of invitations permitted each year. About 276 invitations in total were sent out.

“This has been a transformational year for Latinos and cultural institutions in the U.S.,” National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Chairman Felix Sanchez said. “I believe Dawn Hudson, AMPAS CEO, and her team are committed to an inclusive membership body and took these steps to bring modernity to their institution.”

The late Latina actress Lupe Ontiveros was excluded from the “In Memoriam” segment – which honors prominent figures in Hollywood who have died – of the Oscars ceremony in February, prompting a call for action in the Latino community.