Vanity Fair Finally Decided To Put More People Of Color On The Hollywood Issue Cover

Vanity Fair's much-hyped annual "Hollywood Issue" is notorious for including few, if any, people of color on its covers — but this year is different.

2014's special issue of the magazine, shot by Annie Leibovitz, features a whopping six black actors of the 12 total cover stars.

In addition to usual suspects Julia Roberts and George Clooney, the cover also showcases relative newbies Lupita Nyong’o ("12 Years a Slave"), Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave"), Michael B. Jordan ("Fruitvale Station"), Naomie Harris ("Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"), Chadwick Boseman ("42") and longtime actor Idris Elba ("Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom").

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

In comparison, last year's 2013 cover featured just three people — Ben Affleck, Emma Stone, and Bradley Cooper — but all white.

Inside the issue, 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis [top right] was featured for her breakout role in "Beasts of the Southern Wild."

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

But years past were even worse. Out of 11 women featured on 2012's cover, just two were women of color.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

2011 showcased 14 of Hollywood's top talents — but just one black male.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

2010's cover was ALL young, white women.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

The roots of white covers go way back. 2004 — mainly white.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

Nice work, 1998 — D jimon Hounsou was the sole black male.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

1997 — no better.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair

Angela Bassett represented for all black actors in the inaugural 1995 issue.

Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue

Vanity Fair



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