What film stars really think about Hollywood's diversity issue
LONDON -- The film industry's diversity issue is not going away.
Over the past year, Hollywood sexism and issues of race representation, both on and off screen, have been a huge topic of conversation among people in the movie business.
Numerous diversity reports have been published, some fairly damning. In May, Jodie Foster spoke out about the problems faced by female directors. During the 2016 Awards season, a barrage of celebrities criticised the Academy Awards for its treatment of actors of colour.
The last two instalments of the London Film Festival have attempted to tackle these issues. Last year, the British Film Institute dubbed the festival "the year of the strong women", while this year's festival has placed a focus on black talent.
Mashable took to the red carpet to speak to actors, directors, screenwriters and producers about diversity in the industry, and to what extent they still think it's an issue.
David Oyelowo, actor, Queen of Katwe.
"Of course it's an issue, and I've talked extensively about it. I'm kind of bored of talking about it if I'm honest. It's now just time to do it.
"And I think, LFF having a season like they're having right now is doing diversity; I think Disney making this film is doing diversity; and I think you look at this audience and the people here to see this film tonight -- that is diversity in action."
Nicole Kidman, actor, Lion.
"This is diversity in action, right now, this film. And I think that's what it requires, just people getting out and saying, yeah we believe in these stories -- we can get them made, people will make them. And hopefully people will see them.
"I've just produced a show [Big Little Lies] that has Zoë Kravtiz as the lead, it has me, it has Laura Dern, it has Reese [Witherspoon], it's all female leads... because if you're also talking about diversity you're also talking about women in film.
"We just need to keep pushing the boundaries and pushing forward and saying 'we can get this stuff made'. But it is hard. It's like pushing rocks up a mountain at times. But we keep it in the conversation and then you come out and support the film on red carpets, at festivals, so that people go see it.
"It's the only way to change it."
Lupita Nyong'o, actor, Queen of Katwe.
"I think the question about inclusion is one that has to be dealt with in action. And so, a film like this existing at this moment is significant, but one film cannot solve it. You know, it's about not just a moment, but a momentum.
"It's about who is in power, and what's their perspective, and what films are they green-lighting in order for us to actually tackle this debate on inclusion."
Sam Claflin, actor, Their Finest.
"I think the fact you're asking the question suggests there is still an issue, if you know what I mean? And I think that's really sad. It's not the first time I've been asked but it is something that will continually come up over the coming years. I hope it doesn't, and I hope it just gets to the point where we don't talk about it anymore.
"It shouldn't be there. Especially in this day and age. We've come so far, but it's still a long way to go."
Note: Some of the above quotes have been edited for length/clarity.
Topics Diversity
