The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed Friday that it is making numerous histrionic changes in its voting guidelines and organization in an effort to push for more diversity.
The Academy says that its primary objective is to double the number of its women and diverse members by the year 2020, with 48 percent of the membership comprised of women members and 18 percent consisting of diverse groups, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The organization also aims to add three new seats to its board, which currently sits 51 members in total. These changes were approved by the board during an emergency meeting Thursday night.
"The Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up. These new measures regarding governance and voting will have an immediate impact and begin the process of significantly changing our membership composition," Academy president Cheryl Boones Isaac said, according to Variety.
The changes come after the Academy recently came under fire for its "lack of diversity" and has faced a boycott from several actors and actresses. Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee have announced that they would not be attending the awards show.
Tyrese Gibson has even urged fellow African-American actor Chris Rock, who is the host for this year's awards show, to step down from his hosting duties.
