Exciting News for Academy Awards: Films Can Opt Out of Reporting Identity Data
In a surprising turn of events, feature films competing in this year’s Academy Awards can now avoid reporting gender, race, and disability data required by new inclusion standards. By simply opting out of contention for the top Oscar, these films can bypass the previously mandatory requirement for all awards contenders to submit identity data.
This policy shift, recently discovered in the “Frequently Asked Questions” addendum to the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry platform, could potentially liberate dozens, if not hundreds, of films vying for Oscars in categories other than Best Picture. Previously, all 300 or so awards contenders were obligated to provide identity data, regardless of their chances in the Best Picture race.
Until recently, the Academy’s FAQ advisory stated that all submitted features must report detailed identity data due to uncertainty about which films would make it to the Best Picture category, the only one subject to inclusion standards enforcement. However, a new answer to Question 13 now allows filmmakers to opt-in or opt-out of Best Picture consideration. If they choose to opt-out, they are not required to fill out a RAISE form.
Academy officials have not commented on the change, but insiders familiar with the revision reveal that the prior policy was only in effect during a two-year soft-rollout period when filmmakers had to report on the platform, but the standards were not enforced. Feedback and experience during this period led to the current policy. Additionally, producers and distributors are no longer asked to provide personal identification for cast and crew members when reporting on sex, race, and disability issues.
With these changes, it seems that the Academy has abandoned its previous intention to collect identity data from a wide range of films across the industry. Even a small number of “opt-outs” would create significant gaps in any database, making it less reliable for generating reports and policy suggestions.
This policy shift could reduce the administrative burden of monitoring numerous films with no real chance at Best Picture and potentially prevent disqualifications for films that don’t meet inclusion standards. However, it may also result in a reduced field of Best Picture contenders for Oscar voters. Dark horse contenders and late-season discoveries would only have a shot if they haven’t opted out to avoid identity reporting.
In a related refinement, the FAQs now state that any British film meeting the British Film Institute’s diversity standards, used for BAFTA’s Outstanding British Film category, will be considered to have met the Hollywood Academy’s diversity requirements. Similarly, non-British films meeting the U.S. Academy’s standards should report that information to qualify for BAFTA Awards.
