Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer says Hollywood needs to do better casting people with disabilities.
The star of "The Help" and "Hidden Figures" is part of a new video campaign timed with the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this month.
"Casting able-bodied actors in roles for characters with disabilities is offensive, unjust, and deprives an entire community of people from opportunities," she says in the nearly three-minute clip.
Spencer argues that the industry needs to recognize that "nothing can replace lived experience and authentic representation." She also notes how the entertainment industry has been notoriously slow at embracing diversity.
"It's only been a few decades since white actors would portray Black, Asian and even Native American characters on screen," Spencer says. "There is no reason that we should continue to repeat the same mistakes of the past. Together, we should and can do better."
The campaign was launched by the Ruderman Family Foundation, a Boston-based organization that advocates for people with disabilities.
The foundation earlier this year issued an open letter to the entertainment industry making a similar plea that was signed by George Clooney, Joaquin Phoenix, Ed Norton, Bryan Cranston, Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close, Eva Longoria and other prominent names in Hollywood.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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