'Reagan' Screenwriter Claims Oscars' DEI Requirements Excluded Film from Best Picture Consideration

The biopic "Reagan," starring Dennis Quaid, was left out of Oscar consideration due to the Academy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards, according to screenwriter Howard Klausner. The film, which chronicles the life of President Ronald Reagan, reportedly failed to meet the eligibility criteria introduced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in 2024.

"I think the situation speaks for itself," Klausner shared with Fox News Digital. "There’s not really anger or indignation among those of us who made this film. We didn’t seriously expect to be nominated for anything by Hollywood in this cultural climate—it’s just sadness, really." The screenwriter lamented the Hollywood of old, saying it once "spoke to the heart and dreams of pretty much everybody," but now seems disconnected from the broader audience.

Under the new DEI rules, films must meet criteria in at least two of four categories to qualify for Best Picture. These standards aim to ensure representation of underrepresented groups in areas such as casting, storytelling, creative leadership, internships, or marketing. Klausner noted, "By these new rules, many previous winners would never have been recognized." He added that "Reagan" was among 116 films disqualified this year.

The movie’s producer, Mark Joseph, echoed the sentiment, pointing to the stark contrast between the film’s 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and its dismal 18% critic rating. He joked about applying for a Guinness World Record for such a disparity. Honestly, that might be one of the boldest (and most hilarious) flexes in film history.

Klausner also criticized Hollywood’s narrowing focus, quoting a studio executive who admitted, "Now we primarily make movies for 10% of the population." He contrasted this with his mission to create "heartland films" that resonate with the other 90%. While he expressed hope for a return to Hollywood’s former glory, his tone was one of resignation mixed with nostalgia.

The controversy surrounding "Reagan" is not new. Last year, the film’s marketing team claimed Facebook repeatedly blocked promotional posts, citing their "sensitive" political nature. Facebook later admitted its automated systems had mistakenly flagged the content and lifted the restrictions. Dennis Quaid himself weighed in, humorously pointing out that President Reagan hasn’t been on the ballot in 40 years and is ineligible to run anyway, having already served two terms. Talk about overkill, right?

The debate over the Oscars’ DEI standards adds another layer to ongoing tensions in Hollywood, where the push for inclusivity often clashes with traditional storytelling and audience expectations. Whether the industry can find a balance remains to be seen, but for Klausner and the "Reagan" team, the exclusion feels like another step away from the unifying power movies once held.