Last year, Jada Pinkett Smith injected some viral fire into the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. After learning that not a single actor of color was nominated in the Academy’s acting categories, she called for a boycott of the ceremony. The video went viral and sparked a national conversation about diversity in Hollywood. But Pinkett Smith didn’t stop there. She and husband Will Smith have partnered with the Sundance Institute to get more diversity in the writer’s room.
Their foundation, The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, will work with the Sundance Institute for two years. During that time, they’ll focus on funneling talent into the institute’s Screenwriters Intensive.
The intensive is a 2-day workshop in which 10 screenwriters from underserved communities get the chance to develop their skills and explore the creative process. The workshop is part of Sundance’s ongoing Diversity Initiative.
Additionally, the couple will work with Sundance on several year-round initiatives to give more exposure to diverse film talent.
“We are so grateful for the generous support of The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation. Together, we will build momentum and awareness about the need to create a film and media landscape that reflects the full richness and diversity of our culture,” said Kerri Putnam, the Sundance Institute’s Executive Director. She explained the importance of Sundance’s place in pushing diversity in an interview with Deadline.
Judging by this year’s crop of diverse Oscar nominees, the Academy is taking notice. But by developing talent at early stages and giving them a platform, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are seeking to make this change permanent. Diversity will no longer be a buzzword. It will be the norm.