Oscars 2018: Facts and figures about the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The Oscars might be turning 90 but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is trying to keep up with the times by adding more women and minority members to its ranks.

In 2013, the Academy dropped a quota system limiting the number of new members. In 2015, there were 5,856 members that could cast votes. That number rose to 6,687 in 2016 and this year’s additions bring the total to 7,258 voters.

Women represent 28 percent of the membership and minority representation rose from 11 percent to 13 percent in the past year. Since 2015, there has been a 359 percent increase in the number of women invited to join.

All Academy members can vote in the Best Picture category and for the awards of their respective branches. Each branch has its own criteria for members: for instance, actors must have scripted roles in three films, with a least one in the past five years. Here’s a breakdown of the voters from entertainment awards site, Gold Derby.

In 1927, when the Academy was founded, there were 293 filmmakers representing five branches.

Best picture vs. box office

Last year the best picture winner was “Moonlight.”  At the time of the awards it had grossed $21.5 million and was ranked 102nd at the box office. This year, two nominated films have grossed less than what “Moonlight” had.

Only two of the 2017 nominated best picture films made the top 20 at the box office.

Oscar’s history

Diversity at the Academy Awards has been a longtime topic of discussion.  Here’s a timeline of notable events in the history of the awards.

Sources: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Box Office Mojo, Polich Tallix, Internet Movie Database, Nielsen Media Research Inc., Time magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Goldderby.com

Top photo: The Associated Press