The themes explored in the three Academy Awards contenders were intentionally chosen. All three films were created and funded by Participant Media, a company that leads a group of businesses dedicated to promoting social causes through movies. Participant Media was established in 2004 by Jeff Skoll, a billionaire and former eBay President. The company has worked on a variety of projects, including "An Inconvenient Truth" and "Lincoln", as well as the award-winning film "Spotlight". According to Participant Media's Chief Executive David Linde, the company is drawn to stories of regular individuals who have made a significant impact and inspired change in their own lives and the lives of others. Linde mentioned that "Roma" is a great example of a black-and-white drama distributed by Netflix Inc, focusing on the story of Cleo, an indigenous Mexican housekeeper who shows bravery in challenging situations. The film is competing for best picture at the Oscars against "Green Book," a Participant movie distributed by Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures, which follows a black pianist on a 1962 concert tour of the segregated US South. Actor Mahershala Ali was present at the 91st Oscars Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California on February 4, 2019. The documentary "RBG," about US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is also nominated for best documentary. Actor Mahershala Ali was present at the 91st Oscars Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California on February 4, 2019. His involvement in movies often aligns with activism off-screen. For example, the company behind "Roma" collaborated with the National Domestic Workers Alliance to advocate for labor rights and supported the development of an app that offers benefits to house cleaners, such as paid time off. Scott Budnick, known for producing comedies like "The Hangover," has shifted his focus to promoting prison reform and social change through engaging and commercially successful entertainment. His new venture, One Community, aims to raise $10 million for a campaign tied to the release of the film "Just Mercy" in January 2020, a biographical drama featuring Michael B. Jordan as a lawyer fighting to exonerate a wrongfully convicted man. In an interview, Budnick stated that the upcoming campaign, expected to launch within the next two months, will focus on advocating for changes related to the death penalty and juvenile sentencing. One Community, co-financing "Just Mercy" with AT&T Inc's Warner Bros., serves as a bridge between philanthropy, politics, and the entertainment industry. Julie Cohen and Betsy West from "RBG" were in attendance at a reception for Oscar-nominated documentary films in Los Angeles on Feb 19, 2019. "We are here to serve as that aligner," he stated. Macro, a producer of "Just Mercy," is dedicated to creating TV shows and movies that showcase a diverse range of stories about people of color. Previous successful films from Macro include the highly praised dramas "Fences" and "Mudbound." Founded by former talent agent Charles King, Macro receives funding from organizations that share its mission, such as the Ford Foundation, which contributed $5 million. "Shaping which stories are shared, by whom, and from what perspective is a powerful tool for influencing the conversation in this country," explained Cara Mertes, director of the Ford Foundation's JustFilms initiative. Budnick's One Community, which is funded by a range of investors such as Endeavor Content and Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, is seen as a way to achieve social justice impact. The company operates on a "double bottom line" model, aiming to both make profits and create social change. Executives are collaborating with social scientists to create metrics for measuring success, although Budnick acknowledges that this approach may not be suitable for every investor. If an individual is seeking a return on investment that is 10 times their initial investment, they may consider investing in companies like Twitter, Uber, or Instagram, according to Budnick. However, the company in question is focused on generating profits and making a positive impact.