Ben Arogundade

Writer and broadcaster Ben Arogundade explains how the Academy Awards has failed to recognise the work of minorities and women during its 100-year history and how things are finally beginning to change.

Arogundade uncovers the story behind the statistics that show only one black woman has won best actress, no black filmmaker has won best director and only three women have won best director.  He looks at the stories of some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Denzel Washington and Michelle Yeoh, and at some of the biggest characters behind the scenes, including Louis B. Mayer, founder of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts. Arogundade says things are beginning to change thanks to the work of hundreds of Hollywood pioneers. The talk will be illustrated with stills from some of the films and Oscar moments discussed.

Arogundade is an award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster. He has written or edited 12 works of fiction and non-fiction, including Black Beauty: A History and a Celebration, which was adapted into a three-part BBC documentary.