How DEI Standards Are Rewriting Oscars History

Hollywood came together on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre for the 98th Academy Awards. Host Conan O’Brien kept the show lively as Paul Thomas Anderson’s film “One Battle After Another” swept six awards, including Best Picture. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in “Sinners.”

As the Academy often puts it, it was a “celebration of cinema.”

However, beyond the trophies and acceptance speeches, some requirements have fundamentally changed what it takes to be considered for Hollywood’s top prize—and these criteria have little to do with a film’s quality.

Since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences introduced its Representation and Inclusion Standards (known internally as RAISE), any film hoping to compete for Best Picture must now satisfy at least two of four detailed diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements.

The DEI standards cover everything from who appears on screen down to who works in the mailroom.

What the Rules Demand

The first rule – Standard A – is simply about who’s on screen and what the movie is about. To check this box, a film needs to do at least one of three things: cast a “racial or ethnic minority” in a lead or major supporting role; make sure at least 30% of the rest of the cast is made up of women, minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people with disabilities; or tell a story that is about one of those groups.

In other words, if your movie stars, features, or centers on what they consider a “historically marginalized community,” you’ve checked the box.

Standard B moves behind the camera. At least two department heads – drawn from a list that includes the director, cinematographer, composer, editor, and others – must also be from “underrepresented groups,” with at least one from a “racial or ethnic minority.” Or, in a very specific numerical exchange, six or more crew members in technical roles must be from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. A third option that specifically meets the rule requires 30% of the entire crew to come from at least two “underrepresented categories.”

Standard C shifts to the business side, requiring the film’s distributor or financing company to maintain paid internship programs that specifically include some of those “underrepresented groups.” Major studios must demonstrate that these internship programs span most of their production departments, while smaller distributors need at least two qualifying interns.

Standard D requires the studio to have multiple senior executives or consultants from at least two underrepresented groups – including at least one from a “racial or ethnic minority.”

Films must meet two of the four standards and submit a confidential RAISE form to the Academy confirming their compliance.

Craft vs. Criteria

The Academy has tried to frame these requirements as an effort to better reflect the “diverse global population.” Some critics, however, may argue that the standards introduce a non-artistic filter into what has historically been a competition judged solely on filmmaking.

Some of our most celebrated films in Hollywood’s recent history may not have cleared the eligibility gate in today’s Academy Awards.

Classic Films That Likely Would Not Qualify Under Today’s Academy Award Requirements

Schindler’s List (1993) — Predominantly white, male cast and crew; story centers on Jewish characters, but the Academy’s criteria does not directly list Jewish people as an underrepresented group. However, this film won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, and Best Original Score. Nominated for 12 total.
Braveheart (1995) — Nearly all-white cast; no apparent pathway to meeting two standards. However, this film won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Mel Gibson), Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Effects Editing. Nominated for 10 total
The Godfather (1972) — Italian-American story, but not among the listed underrepresented ethnic groups; overwhelmingly male cast and crew. However, this film won 3 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominated for 11 total.
Forrest Gump (1994) — This film is a “maybe” as the story centers on a character with cognitive disabilities; it qualifies under Standard A (main storyline focused on an underrepresented group). It also features diverse supporting roles. Still, whether it would have cleared the DEI hurdles remains questionable. However, this film won 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Tom Hanks), Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects. Nominated for 13 total.
Gladiator (2000) — Predominantly male cast and crew; the story does not center on a qualifying group. However, this film won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound. Nominated for 12 total.
Good Will Hunting (1997) — Boston-set drama featuring an all-white, predominantly male cast. However, this film won 2 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Robin Williams) and Best Original Screenplay. Nominated for 9 total.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) — WWII ensemble; white male cast and crew throughout. However, this film won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing. Nominated for 11 total.
There Will Be Blood (2007) — Virtually no women or minorities in significant roles; set in early 1900s oil country. However, this film won 2 Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Cinematography. Nominated for 8 total.
No Country for Old Men (2007) — Sparse cast and crew unlikely to clear either on-screen or behind-the-camera thresholds. However, this film won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Joel and Ethan Coen), Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Nominated for 8 total.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — The film would likely struggle to satisfy two full standards across cast, crew, and distribution requirements. This film did not win an Academy Award. However, it was nominated for 7, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Morgan Freeman), and Best Adapted Screenplay.