The fact the lack of ethnic diversity in the Oscar nominations has provoked greater media attention and debate this year could be seen as a positive step. However, unlike Oscar statuettes, these steps don’t sit on shelves and validate success.
Recent news that not a single non-white actor or actress received a nomination at this year’s Oscars leaves me feeling impatiently frustrated and with an urge to do something. Especially because both Beasts of No Nation and Straight Outta Compton moved me to tears (and I can’t be the only one) through the great acting of black actors.
The urge to act in this case, however, is slowly washed over by thoughts of my own insignificance. Yet as I give it a second thought here at work, I don’t feel so discouraged. This is my third week as part of Digify at Livity. Digify UK is a talent-spotting and hot-housing programme, designed to launch fresh new talent into the digital marketing sector.
It was created by Livity Africa and developed further by Livity UK, launching in partnership with Google and the Marketing Agencies Association (MAA) as part of the trade body’s #DoingDifferent diversity initiative.
Our first cohort of 10 participants (aged 18-25) are halfway through an eight-week training programme – hosted at Livity – ahead of a six-month paid placement at some of London’s most competitive marketing agencies.
Working with everyone here, as well as the senior professionals at Google and the MAA, I don’t feel frustrated in the slightest. In fact I feel very, very excited and motivated.
To us “Digifiers” it’s obvious – diversity allows for the very best creative work to be produced, because through it, you gain an increased awareness of and access to varying cultural values, attitudes and life experiences. This will be reflected in audience reach and engagement.
Being around so many people who know this isn’t rocket science is motivating. Seeing the need for a more diverse creative industry pushed naturally from a business perspective – and not only one of equality – is refreshing.
So there are a lot of things rapidly changing and, from being here, I see that those who are part of it and around it love the success.
This positivity was clouded a little when I read the news of the Oscars, but it’s also the reason why I believe the lack of diversity in the awards nominations has gained more media attention this year in the UK.
Working with the other Digifiers here every day doesn’t make me feel worried or anxious at all about non-diverse workplaces or an absence of recognition for future creative work. It’s no Oscars, but it allows me to see more clearly than ever before that things are happily shifting in the creative industries. It inspires me to pass it on, wait and watch.
Honestly, I don’t think it will be too long before this spirit reaches the Oscars board and judges too. At this point, an all-white Oscars will soon be a thing of the past.
Hannah Owens is one of this year’s Digifiers
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