So.... about this. 😒 #OscarsSoWhite twitter.com/i/moments/9449…
I invite you to read all of @rebel19’s thread below because she nails it, as always. I also agree with @jes_chastain’s point that the onus is on Hollywood to make more films with WOC leads. HOWEVER. #OscarsSoWhite
I believe that @jes_chastain, the other women in this photo, and lead actors & actresses generally underestimate their power. Both in film and ESPECIALLY w/ media outlets like the @latimes. #OscarsSoWhite
The way photoshoots work, the media outlet decide who they want weeks/months in advance, they make the ask, then they try to coordinate subjects’ schedules. Sometimes they shoot separately & photoshop folks into one shot. So... #OscarsSoWhite
This particular fail is on @latimes. Did they talk to @TrevellAnderson, who writes on film DAILY & ask who should be in the room? If not, why not? That’s where the inclusion fail at @latimes started. Here’s how it continued... #OscarsSoWhite
The actresses’ people have to sign off on the shoot (make sure there are no personality conflicts, etc.) So @jes_chastain’s team KNEW there would be no WOC there. THAT is when @jes_chastain’s voice should have risen. #OscarsSoWhite
Most actors/actresses don’t have the power to demand inclusion on a film, but they should be shaking the table at every opportunity. HOWEVER. For a photoshoot that @latimes NEEDS? You damn straight someone could’ve made change happen. #OscarsSoWhite
So for folks like @jes_chastain who HAVE been outspoken (& it’s appreciated) about the need for inclusion, let’s take it a step further. What are the marching orders for her team? Do you tell them, “no inclusion, no sale” with requests? #OscarsSoWhite
Because THAT is where the power lies for talent. No, they can’t change Hollywood on their own. But they CAN change one small piece of how THEY do business, & if more do it, it will create a ripple effect throughout the industry. #OscarsSoWhite
So the next time @latimes calls an actor/actress, they will be forced to think about inclusion, since they apparently can’t do it on their own. “We want to do this photoshoot but three of the subjects require inclusion so what do we need to do to get them here?” #OscarsSoWhite
And that’s how change happens. Each person taking responsibility for their little piece of the struggle. @latimes can do better. @jes_chastain can do better. And it’s our job to keep pushing them until they do. #OscarsSoWhite
It would be difficult then because photogs and staff have been hired, schedules coordinated. But there’s no need to wait until then, as I point out in the thread.
It’s not lost on me that @jes_chastain only spoke out when called out by @rebel19 & then her focus is “There must be more WOC leads in Hollywood!” True. But we are talking about THIS photoshoot. Don’t move the goalposts. #OscarsSoWhite
If the lede is “Shift in Focus: Actresses are changing how the story is told,” that doesn’t say anything about LEAD actresses. So this photoshoot could have absolutely included WOC, even if the article hadn’t been written yet. @latimes #OscarsSoWhite
You see it. And because she tried to pivot to something we agree on, it makes her look like an “ally.” It was impressive. 🙃 #OscarsSoWhite
