The entertainment industry is taking a brutal beating lately. For months, we’ve seen big names fall from grace as more and more women come forward with sexual harassment claims against men in the industry. For many people, it’s a shock and a letdown to know that some of our favorite names in Hollywood are actually animals behind-the-scenes. It’s safe to say that 2017 was the year of women. While we’ve been knocked down and had a man elected into office who absolutely hates us, we’re also become more empowered than ever. No wonder media outlets are looking to celebrate women who have made changes and empowered us through this tough year. First, Time Magazine named “The Silence Breakers” 2017’s Person of the Year, and now the Los Angeles Times are celebrating empowering actresses in the industry. The story, called “A Shift in Focus: Actresses Call for a Change in the Way Many Stories Are Told,” focused on big names that are being nominated and celebrated this award’s season. Posing on the cover was Jessica Chastain (“Mollie’s Game”), Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”), Diane Kruger (“In the Fade”), Saoirse Ronan (“Lady Bird”), Annette Bening (“Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool”) and Kate Winslet (“Wonder Wheel”).
While it’s a great idea for a cover, there’s just one problem that many people pointed out online. The Los Angeles Times neglected to include one actress of color. The cover is completely white-washed. While all of the actresses on the cover are talented and yes, empowering, there are other actresses who are just as talented and empowering, as well. Viola Davis? Taraji P. Henson? Come on now. It’s obvious. It’s so, painfully obvious.
It shouldn’t be necessary to point out the obvious, but clearly it’s necessary to point out the obvious. pic.twitter.com/FQjLkBiaMy
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) December 22, 2017
no editor on that entire staff said "oh, huh, wait a sec?" Not in discussions about the photo, not in booking the photo, not the day of the photo shoot, not looking at proofs, not sending it over for a final look before publication? Dozens of places to stop and reconsider.
— Laura Lorson (@prairielaura) December 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/FletcherChristy/status/944321635103932416
Worthy of consideration…An opportunity missed…This could have been an amazing cover, instead it's just another example of how #divided our nation is at times…Makes me sad…Los Angeles Times Featured All-White Actresses In Entertainment Section Cover https://t.co/rgDWc9Zr89
— Kathy Corday (@kathycordayusa) December 23, 2017
honestly i think that envelope may be whiter than this one pic.twitter.com/VmyfmugSD9
— Megan Amram (@meganamram) December 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/KateHarding/status/944258753905483776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fentry%2Fall-white-actress-cover-los-angeles-times-envelope_us_5a3dc12ae4b0b0e5a7a22dbd
What is wrong with people? Not ONE of these talented and smart women stood up and said, 'hey, something's missing in this photo?' Really?
— Rebekah Sager (@Rebekah_Sager) December 22, 2017
Four of the last 8 winners of Best Actress in a "Supporting" role are African American. Viola, Lupita, Octavia & Monique.
— 🌻Norma Francisco Wine (@NormaWine1) December 22, 2017
Do better, L.A. Times. Do better.