2016 was a year of great controversy. The western world was thrown into a myriad of unlikely and unsettling circumstances that were, as of not long ago, deemed impossible. The world of politics was thrown in the air as Trump became president and even in our own country of Australia, Pauline Hanson won the state of Queensland. In the industry of the arts, an Egyptian Muslim presenter inspired young ethnic Australians to pursue their dreams and aspirations as he accepted a Logie in front of a visibly scared nation and again in that wild jungle we call Hollywood, two prominent actors started a movement that triggered many people to boycotting one of the most prestigious award ceremony’s in the world. Sufficed to say that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith had every right to make that choice as a form of frustration but it hasn’t been the first time that diversity has been a problem that artists all around the world face. Last year the world sighed as we saw very little representation and appreciation for those of colour and their talents. But now and arguably so, the recent arrival of President Trump, and the divided America that now exists as a result of his win, liberal artists all over the world are now working harder to represent the importance of diversity on the screen.

 

The result was a string of amazing movies that showcased the talents and hard work of gifted directors, actors and actresses as well as belief in the cause from production companies and audiences. No doubt the best film of the past year was Moonlight, a story that followed the life of a young black man in three episodes of being a child, teenager and an adult. Not only bringing to light various concerns and themes that affect young black men and women in America, Moonlight showcased the skills of Director Barry Jenkins, creating a well constructed film that was severely unspoken of to many, until award season.

 

With seven ethnically diverse and non white actors and actresses all nominated in the big four categories, its hard to say that the academy and the world haven’t learned to appreciate the characters that non white artists portray every year. That or this year was an amazingly fortunate year for diversity as whole and by some universe like power; all these films were released the year that someone as divisive as Donald Trump came into power, perhaps as a sign from the universe itself.

 

Appreciation and acceptance were all shown to be what artists are about in the recent year, with the now infamous Best Picture Blunder giving light to how much has changed in modern America as the artists of the world are showing no bitterness in losing to another great film, even if that means that a moment that was given to them, is now savagely and embarrassingly taken away for another group of artists. Gracious in defeat, the producers of La La Land are the living embodiment that recognition isn’t everything unless you’ve set out to mean something by what you have created. That understanding the necessity to understand talent and reward such talent is what is most important, regardless of the colour ones skin or what divine power they worship (Shout out to Mahershala Ali for being the first Muslim Actor to win an Oscar).

 

 

AS producers and creators of art in all forms, one can sympathise with the idea that representation and equal representation amongst all is something that goes hand in hand with being fair. Since its inception, the idea of culturally diverse entertainers and creators having an equal say in what is produced is something that most can say is a positive thing. But the act of doing so is often smothered by excuses that not only misrepresent our overall intent but also slow down the process of recognising artists of all backgrounds. I’m sure you and I would agree that as a community of artists, the world needs more stories to be told and shared, and now with the age of technology so engrained in our way of life, it is hard to ignore the real injustices of the modern day artist. And so the 2017 Oscars proved that that path forward has become not only more visible but much more brighter as well.

 

The main theme that we can learn from this year is that no matter what the case, art is not only the expression of the individual but it is also a representation of the masses. Like many that relate to the story of Lion, Moonlight and Fences, many more relate to the story of La La Land and Manchester by the Sea. The characters and worlds they inhabit in someway shape or form are a living reminder that we, as audience members, are some how not far from the stories we love. And that no matter how little you are, by creating something, somewhere out in the vastly difficult world we live in, is an audience that can share in your story.