Academy Awards Takes Major Step Towards Diversity Goals For years, the group that hands out the Oscars has been criticized for a lack of diversity.<br /> This year, the Academy has invited <br />928 new members from 59 countries. If everyone accepts, female and person of color membership would both rise by 3 percent. The invited include "Girls Trip" star Tiffany Haddish... ...“The Big Sick” co-writers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon... ...and comedian and <br />actor Dave Chappelle. In 2016, the Academy pledged to double female and minority membership by 2020. This push means the group is on its way to hitting that goal.
