The Oscar voters, the more than 5,700 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who select Academy Award winners for cinematic achievements, are mainly white males more than 50 years old. Although the identities of the voting members of the Academy are not released publicly, one study determined the identities of almost 90% of the voters. More than 90% of Oscar voters were white, more than 75% were males, and more than 85% were older than 50. Most of the voters are working professionals, so the lack of diversity is thought to be reflective of the demographics of the film industry.
More about the Oscars:
- Almost 50% of all Oscar voters who are actors have appeared onscreen within the past two years.
- Academy membership is for life, so there are voters who are no longer in the industry but who can cast ballots. Voters in 2012 included a nun and a Peace Corps recruiter.
- In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the Oscars made the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences more than $81 million US Dollars (USD) in revenue.