Train Dreams (2025)

On his Friday, March 13th episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the late-night host brought up the #OscarsSoWhite movement to claim its mission is no longer needed. Maher argued that the Academy does not overlook “minority achievement” anymore and told the #OscarsSoWhite movement to “take the win.”

A long history of white-dominated Oscars award winners and nominees would say otherwise. Although we’ve made much progress in 2026, underrepresented groups are still just that: underrepresented. According to The Inclusion List, of the 218 Oscar nominees in 2026, 28% were from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group, and 33% were women. Maher was right in one thing, though: we have made progress. Equality and equity in the film industry may have yet to be achieved, but 2026 ranks highest in Oscars history for its representation of minorities in all categories, and that’s definitely something to be celebrated.