Emma Watson, Idris Elba and Freida Pinto Among Academy Class of 2016 -- the Most Diverse Yet!
Hopefully this marks the end of #OscarsSoWhite.
After the Oscars nominated all white actors for the second year in a row, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced "historic" changes would be made to increase diversity.
With the just-announced Class of 2016, those changes are starting to be seen: 683 new members were invited to join, with 46 percent women and 41 percent people of color.
The new recruits -- who "represent the best in our global film community" -- include stars like America Ferrera, Brie Larson, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, Idris Elba, Star Wars: A Force Awakens actor John Boyega, and Michael B. Jordan.
Here are a handful of the other actors chosen to join the Academy:
Anthony Anderson
Kate Beckinsale
Rose Byrne
Vivica A. Fox
Andrew Garfield
Tom Hiddleston
Oscar Isaac
Dakota Johnson
Patti LuPone
Regina King
Rachel McAdams
Eva Mendes
Freida Pinto
Michelle Rodriguez
Tessa Thompson
Gabrielle Union
Alicia Vikander
Emma Watson
Selma director Ava Duvernay, who has long been outspoken about the Academy's need to diversify, told The Los Angeles Times, "I'm proud of the effort. It was intentional. It was intense. It was inclusive. And it was imperative. The Academy is heading in the right direction on a long road. A good start."
"This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today," Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said in a statement. "We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry."
Now, look back on how Chris Rock addressed the lack of diversity -- and Jada Pinkett Smith's boycott -- during last year's Oscars monologue.