WHAT:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents a special virtual program titled “ACCESSABILITY/VISABILITY: Breaking Down the Barriers for People with Disabilities in Media” available now. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the program consists of three panels featuring conversations with filmmakers with disabilities examining the struggles and successes of the disabled community in Hollywood. For more information, visit Oscars.org.
WHO:
Whoopi Goldberg (welcoming remarks), Academy governor and Oscar®-winning actor
Marlee Matlin (host), Oscar-winning actor
Authentic Representation: Why It Matters and How Far We Have Come
Danny Woodburn, actor
Maysoon Zayid, actor and comedian
Eryn Brown, talent manager
Behind the Camera: Why Inclusion Benefits Us All
Jenni Gold, filmmaker
Jim LeBrecht, filmmaker
Kaitlyn Yang, VFX supervisor
Fresh Voices: Hollywood’s Untapped Talent and Unlimited Potential
Jorge Gutierrez, animation director
Millicent Simmonds, actor
Zack Gottsagen, actor
Biographies can be found here.
WHEN/WHERE:
Available now on Oscars.org.
HIGHLIGHTS:
“I’m seeing disabled people in every area excelling. We just need to make sure they get the chance.” – Maysoon Zayid
“I think that the more varied voices and experiences that come into a team working on a film, the greater the possibility for bringing out nuance and stories that really paint a brighter picture to what we’re doing.” – Jim LeBrecht
“For the disability community, I feel that the success that I have is a success for them as well. I feel we’re raising the bar, setting the standards higher and higher and allowing the disability community to aim for those goals.” – Millicent Simmonds
NOTES:
ASL, CART and audio descriptions are available.
This program is made possible in part by the Ruderman Family Foundation, which promotes authentic representation in the entertainment industry and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout all sectors of society.
Additional support provided by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
CONTACT:
Academy Publicity, publicity@oscars.org
Leave a Reply