LGBTQ representation in 2019 Oscar nominees praised by rights organization
The 91st Academy Awards will mark a historic time for LGBTQ storylines in film.
GLAAD, an organization that combats discrimination and fights for LGBTQ equality, released a report last month stating that this year's nominees are more inclusive than ever before.
From Mahershala Ali's gay character in "Green Book" to the lesbian love triangle that "The Favourite" centers on, some of the Oscars' most buzzworthy nominees include LGBTQ representation.
This is a step in the right direction, in an industry that has historically underrepresented the community. Directors, writers, actors and others who have worked on the Oscar-nominated films have spoken about the significance of different sexualities in the films.
"When Moonlight won best picture two years ago, it sent a message to LGBTQ people around the world that our stories and identities matter, and now, there are more LGBTQ-inclusive films nominated for best picture than ever before," said Rich Ferraro, chief communications officer at GLAAD, in a statement to ABC News.
"It's clear that audiences and critics everywhere are growing to accept LGBTQ people and want to hear more about the issues that matter to our community," he added.
Another point that Hollywood must continue to push for is representation in LGBTQ storylines from actors who are part of the community. Often, roles for gay men will go to straight actors and the same has happened with lesbian roles for female actresses.
Straight actors and actresses have earned nominations and wins for playing queer roles. In 2016 Sir Ian McKellen spoke with The Guardian about how no openly gay man has won an Oscar for best actor.
"No openly gay man has ever won the Oscar; I wonder if that is prejudice or chance," he told the Guardian.
"What about giving me one for playing a straight man," he continued. "My speech has been in two jackets... 'I'm proud to be the first openly gay man to win the Oscar.' I've had to put it back in my pocket twice."
