Oscars tackles #OscarSoWhite issue with diverse list of Academy invitations

The organisers of the Oscars have invited a record number of new people to vote for next year’s Academy Awards following the row over a lack of diversity.

Luther star Idris Elba, ‘Star Wars’ actor John Boyega, and rapper Ice Cube are among 683 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — more than double the total invited the previous year.

Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, who is also joining the Academy, said on Twitter: “As a child I’d dream of opportunity 2 express my talent & now I get 2 create opportunity 4 others. Thanks @TheAcademy.”