Jesse Williams, the acclaimed actor and activist, is optimistic about the progress being made in the film industry concerning diversity and inclusion. However, he stresses that the push for equity must be genuine and not fall into the trap of performative efforts.
During a diverse storytelling panel at the Sundance Film Festival, Jesse shared his thoughts on the state of diversity in Hollywood, balancing his optimism with a warning against hollow gestures.
The Double-Edged Sword of Diversity in Hollywood
Williams addressed two distinct approaches to promoting diversity in the film industry: authentic efforts versus performative gestures. While acknowledging the strides made by creators with genuine intentions, Jesse expressed concern about surface-level actions designed to meet public expectations rather than drive meaningful change.
One example he cited was the performative wave of solidarity following George Floyd’s tragic death, such as social media users posting black squares. He likened these gestures to Hollywood’s tendency to hire people of color in token roles rather than addressing systemic issues head-on.
“Hiring people to police racism instead of refusing to work with racists—that’s the trap of performative diversity,” Jesse said.
The Problem with Performative Diversity
Jesse Williams elaborated on the dangers of performative diversity, noting that it often leads to short-term hires that lack genuine intent or infrastructure to ensure long-term success. He highlighted how such approaches can harm those hired into these roles, leaving them in worse situations when the initial push for diversity inevitably fades.
“When diversity efforts are only about appearances, they create a ticking time bomb for the individuals brought in as ‘tokens.’ These hires aren’t supported or positioned for success, and they’re set up to fail,” Jesse explained.
The actor emphasized that real change requires intentional efforts led by people of color in leadership positions. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for marginalized voices to thrive, rather than simply checking diversity boxes.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Despite his critique of performative gestures, Jesse Williams expressed hope for the future of diversity in Hollywood. He acknowledged that many creators and institutions are making authentic strides toward inclusivity and equity.
“It’s not that I’m against diversity in movies—I’m all for it,” he said. “I just believe it has to be done with genuine intent and by empowering people of color in leadership roles. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
The Broader Context: DEI Programs Under Fire
Jesse’s comments come at a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing significant challenges in the United States. Recently, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning DEI programs in federal agencies, a move that has led to layoffs of DEI employees and a reevaluation of these programs in private corporations like Meta and McDonald’s.
These developments highlight the tension between the desire for progress and the resistance to institutional change, raising questions about how diversity efforts will evolve in the coming years.
A Call for Meaningful Change
Jesse Williams’ message at Sundance serves as both a critique and a call to action. While he acknowledges the progress made, he urges the industry to focus on authentic efforts to empower marginalized communities. By shifting the focus from performative actions to meaningful systemic change, Hollywood has the opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable future.
As the conversation around diversity continues to evolve, Williams’ perspective reminds us that the goal isn’t just representation—it’s genuine empowerment and structural reform.
Diversity isn’t just a trend,” Williams concluded. “It’s about creating lasting change that uplifts everyone involved. That’s the future I’m hopeful for.
