Inclusion Riders: Celebrity Negotiation and Enduring Social Change

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Photo Credit: ABC News, @ABC

Gender and diversity were central themes of the 2018 Oscars, but how can we ensure that current social justice movements have a lasting impact? Frances McDormand, winner of best actress in a leading role, ended her acceptance speech with: “I have two words to leave you with, ladies and gentleman: inclusion rider.”

An inclusion rider is a contract stipulation that allows top celebrities to guarantee that people who are traditionally underrepresented in Hollywood productions are included, both on screen and off. The option has existed for decades but McDormand first learned about it a week prior to her win for her brilliant performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (written and directed by Martin McDonagh).

Recognizing that celebrity contract negotiation can be a vehicle for A-listers to bring about enduring social change, McDormand seized the opportunity to bring inclusion riders into the spotlight. Here’s more information on inclusion riders.