In the last couple of years several people have pointed out the lack of African-American films and actor nominations at the Oscar. The same applies to Latino films, although there are less movies about Latino themes made for the mainstream. Or it can be said about films by women directors. Arguably the few movies made were not of the caliber that deserved the nominations this year. Younger, lesser-known directors and writers are still developing their creative and networking skills.

Or art is in the eye of the beholder. In the coming years, academy nominators should/are likely to include more diversity. That is not to mean that judges from certain race, gender or ethnic background will choose only because of or based on cultural resonance. Yet it is cogent to assume that the more diversity of thought and background, the more diversity of perceptions on how a story is understood, a style appreciated and a message significance valued.

Whether a movie is or isn’t Oscar-caliber is not the point. Many great movies — according to individual tastes — have and will continue to be missed throughout the Oscars history. Nobody will ever be completely pleased. Consideration is what matters. What elements earn consideration? Contacts? Artists? Buzz? Fit with culture trend/timing? Filming techniques? Entertainment versus educational/sociological impacts? How is value defined? A mix is likely. Judges have many hard choices to make.

Documentaries exist for a purpose and audience; general movies that cover ordinary life are rare. A new category for controversial, hard-to-understand issues is needed. In the last couple of years a few American movies have tackled significant social issues boldly and creatively and yet have been basically ignored (Out of Campton, Concussion, McFarland, Cesar Chavez). Low budgets is a factor. Moreover, as an aspirational society, we rarely celebrate coming from far behind and, in spite of great odds, making it to the middle, where most people live. Furthermore, it is easier to celebrate triumph against odds from others, obvious wrongdoing than those stemming from daily entrenched behaviors, especially our own.

And or, we need another Oprah. The Oprah effect was a profound way to earn credibility with anyone regardless of race or social status. When she would recommend a book or a movie, she would find the right words to describe it in terms of human triumph, at times with race, gender or social injustice highlights and a dose of self-examination, but always back to the core that affected all society members. Does anyone with that credibility and impact level come to mind? In a fragmented media landscape, we may need several cumulative Oprah’s effects.

The Academy is making sweeping changes as a result of this controversy. Commentary pro and con changes is running rapid on social media. A certain feel of optimism and willingness to change is in the air. So will the Oscars on February 28.

We’ll tune in to the 2016 Oscars followed by debates about who won and who was snubbed while picking up our favorite best-dressed. It is part of the fun.