Taylor Swift, one of the most popular and influential singers of her generation, has announced that she will not attend the 2024 Academy Awards, despite being nominated for her original song “All Too Well” from the film adaptation of her album “Red”.
Swift’s decision comes as a protest against the lack of diversity and representation among the nominees and the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In a statement posted on her social media accounts, Swift said that she was “deeply disappointed and frustrated” by the Oscars’ failure to recognize and celebrate the achievements of artists of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups. She said that she stands in solidarity with those who have been “overlooked, ignored, and erased” by the industry, and urged her fans and peers to join her in demanding change and accountability.
Swift’s boycott is the latest in a series of actions taken by celebrities and activists to call out the Oscars for their lack of diversity. In 2024, the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite resurfaced after the nominations revealed that all 20 acting nominees were white, and only two of the nine best picture nominees featured predominantly non-white casts. Moreover, no women were nominated for best director, best cinematography, or best original score.
The Academy has faced criticism for years for its lack of diversity and inclusion, both in its nominations and its membership. According to a 2024 report by the Los Angeles Times, the Academy’s 9,000 members were 84% white and 68% male, with a median age of 62. The Academy has pledged to increase its diversity by 2025, but many critics say that the progress has been too slow and too superficial.
Swift’s boycott has received mixed reactions from the public and the media. Some praised her for using her platform and influence to speak out against injustice and inequality, while others accused her of being hypocritical and opportunistic, given that she has benefited from her privilege and status in the industry. Some also questioned whether her boycott would have any real impact on the Oscars or the Academy, or whether it was just a publicity stunt.
Swift has not commented further on her boycott, but has expressed her gratitude and support for the other nominees in her category, who include Adele, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The 2024 Oscars will take place on February 25, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
