The Oscars are to make HISTORIC changes to tackle diversity issue

For the first time ever, the Academy Awards are taking drastic steps to tackle the diversity issue that is plaguing the acclaimed awards ceremony. 

Cheryl Isaacs announced yesterday that historic alterations are to happen that will change how the awards are conducted from now on. 

"The Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up," said a statement by Isaacs. 

Just received from @TheAcademy. One good step in a long, complicated journey for people of color + women artists. pic.twitter.com/CDB3ro2E4Q

— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) January 22, 2016

"These new measures regarding governance and voting will have an immediate impact and begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition."

So what exactly do these new measures entail? 

Members who have been enjoying lifetime voting rights will now be restricted and only those who have been active in the film industry in the last ten years will be entitled to vote. 

Three new seats will be appointed to the top tier of the Academy and these measures are hoped will see the number of women and diverse members double in the next four years. 

PHEW! 

Considering that a survey conducted in 2012 revealed that of the five thousand members of the Academy, over ninety per cent were Caucasian and over fifty per cent were over the age of sixty, we reckon these measures could make a significant difference. 

This year, the Oscars faced serious criticism from fans and the film industry alike who were quick to point out that the lack of diversity noticeable in the majority of this years nominees.