(NewsNation) — Actor Antonio Sabato Jr. blasted diversity standards set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, saying the rules are “destroying the Oscars.”
For a film to be eligible for the sought-after “Best Picture” award, it must now meet at least two of the Academy’s four diversity standards.
According to the Academy’s website, some of the standards include at least one of the lead or supporting actors being from an underrepresented racial or ethic group in a specific country or territory of production, at least 30% of all actors in secondary and more minor roles being from at least two underrepresented groups, or the main storyline being centered on an underrepresented group.
The new rules aren’t sitting well with some entertainment fans, including former “General Hospital” actor and GOP commentator Sabato Jr.
“They’re destroying the Oscars — they already have done that. But now, they’re destroying an industry that used to be free to have the choice to make films based on merit, based on performances, based on so many things that were real,” Sabato Jr. told NewsNation host Dan Abrams on Wednesday.
While the Academy maintains it is encouraging diversity, Sabato Jr. thinks the shift is promoting divisiveness.
“They’re not trying to bring people together. They’re dividing people. They’re bringing racism. They’re choosing who and what and where. The more they do that, the more they talk about race and colors and gender, and all this other BS, excuse my French, they’re going to make it a lot harder for people,” Sabato Jr. said.
He continued: “So I suggest we start a new Hollywood.”
The Academy in September 2020 announced the change would take effect in March 2024. The requirements come after the Oscars faced backlash for the lack of diversity among nominees, with the #OscarsSoWhite movement taking the internet by storm in 2015.
For the 96th Academy Awards, “Oppenheimer” leads with 13 Oscar nominations, with “Poor Things” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” also running up big numbers. The awards ceremony will air March 10.
The Associated Press and The Hill contributed to this report.