Nigerian actress, Genevieve Nnaji has been appointed as an Oscars (Academy Awards) voting member.

On Tuesday the ACADEMY announced that it has invited 819 persons to join its voting team for 2020.

“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures, the statement from the Academy read.

Say hello to our brand new class of Academy members. #WeAreTheAcademy https://t.co/jRJWPQYH1Y

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 30, 2020

It gave further details saying “The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries.

There are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2020.”

Genevieve Nnaji said after the list was announced that she was “honored to be a member of the family.”

I’m honored to be a member of the family. Thank you @TheAcademy !! https://t.co/KBmza9he9E

— Genevieve Nnaji MFR (@GenevieveNnaji1) July 1, 2020

In 2016, the Academy set specific inclusion goals as part of its A2020 initiative to double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by 2020.

Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said “We take great pride in the strides we have made in exceeding our initial inclusion goals set back in 2016, but acknowledge the road ahead is a long one.

We are committed to staying the course. We look forward to continuing to foster an Academy that reflects the world around us in our membership, our programs, our new Museum, and in our awards.”

SOURCE: Africafeeds.com