Frances McDormand’s Oscar speech is proving to be a game-changer in Hollywood. The “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” actress mentioned the words “inclusion rider” while accepting the honor for Best Actress and the term has been spreading like wildfire since. Count “Room’s” Brie Larson and “Black Panther’s” Michael B. Jordan among those who’ve taken notice — both stars have committed to the inclusion rider, which actors can insist on in the negotiation process. The clause ensures that projects have diverse casts and crews.
“I’m committed to the Inclusion Rider,” Larson tweeted. “Who’s with me?” The Oscar winner and future star of “Captain Marvel” seems to be encouraging her industry peers to follow suit. She’s previously emphasized the need for “more intersectionality” in Hollywood. “We need more unique voices because what directing is, is saying: ‘This is how I view the world,’ and I think the way we can connect and learn more is seeing the world through other people’s eyes,” the “Glass Castle” actress observed.
Larson’s feature directorial debut, “Unicorn Store,” premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. She also produced the pic. The comedy centers on a 20-something who moves back in with her parents after getting kicked out of grad school.
Jordan also committed to the inclusion rider via social media. “In support of the women [and] men who are leading this fight, I will be adopting the Inclusion Rider for all projects produced by my company Outlier Society,” he posted on Instagram. “I’ve been privileged to work with powerful [women and] persons of color throughout my career [and] it’s Outlier’s mission to continue to create for talented individuals going forward.”
The “Creed” actor directed those looking for more information about supporting the cause to the official site of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Headed by Dr. Stacy Smith, the think tank is dedicated to studying diversity and inclusion in media and is responsible for introducing the concept of the inclusion rider.
Jordan’s upcoming projects include HBO’s adaptation of dystopian novel “Fahrenheit 451” and “Just Mercy,” a drama about a world-renowned civil rights defense attorney. He exec produced the former and produced the latter.
