The Academy Responds to Criticism Over Asian Jokes at Oscars 2016

The Academy is responding to criticism from 25 AMPAS members who were upset by the “tone-deaf approach” to Asians during the 2016 Oscars telecast.

“The Academy appreciates the concerns stated, and regrets that any aspect of the Oscar telecast was offensive. We are committed to doing our best to ensure that material in future shows be more culturally sensitive.”

The 25 members included Ang Lee, Christine Choy, Renee Tajima-Pena and Rithy Panh, among others.

The response is largely due to the insensitive bit about the accountants being Asian children.

Click inside to read the letter written to the Academy…

“We are writing as Academy members of Asian descent to express our complete surprise and disappointment with the targeting of Asians at the 88th Oscars telecast and its perpetuation of racist stereotypes. In light of criticism over #OscarsSoWhite, we were hopeful that the telecast would provide the Academy a way forward and the chance to present a spectacular example of inclusion and diversity. Instead, the Oscars show was marred by a tone-deaf approach to its portrayal of Asians.

“We’d like to know how such tasteless and offensive skits could have happened and what process you have in place to preclude such unconscious or outright bias and racism toward any group in future Oscars telecasts. We look forward to hearing from you about this matter and about the concrete steps to ensure that all people are portrayed with dignity and respect.

“We are proud that the Oscars reach several hundred million people around the world of whom 60% are Asians and potential moviegoers.”