Given how the Oscars continue to hold real influence over the film industry, looking at the slate of pictures deemed “award-worthy” each year is one of the many benchmarks we can use to measure progress toward inclusive storytelling. At Mediaversity Reviews, in fact, diversity is the main thing we evaluate films on. Our grades take an intersectional look at not just technical merit, but gender parity and racial diversity, too. Representation of LGBTQ communities, people with disabilities, minority religions, adults over 50, and diverse body shapes are also factored in. (You can learn more about how we grade here.)
As we head into Oscar weekend, let’s take a look at how the 94th Academy Awards fares on inclusiveness among its Best Picture nominees. The average Mediaversity grade was a C+ (3.29/5). This takes us down a notch from last year’s B- (3.72/5), which saw inclusive films like Minari and Nomadland break barriers. Still, a C+ does stay in line with the Best Picture nominee averages in recent years, which tend to fluctuate between a C- and C+.
Without further ado…
Best Picture Nominees by Mediaversity Grade
Click image to read the full diversity review.
Best Picture Nominees by Mediaversity Score
Films are scored on a scale of 1–5.
Mediaversity Reviews is a project that grades TV & films on gender, race, LGBTQ, disability, and more. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to join the conversation.
