The nominations for the 88 annual Academy Awards quite simply referred to as the ‘Oscars’ were announced January 14. Many of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Christian Bale, and Kate Winslet all scored nominations. Congratulations and thank you’s were seen through all social media outlets towards the nominees. Though there was positivity in the air, a controversy was quickly discovered.
This year marks the second year in a row that any person of color did not score an acting nomination in any of the four major categories: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.
Among the projects snubbed were “Creed”, “Concussion”, and “Straight Outta Compton”. Actors Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan failed to pick up a nomination for Best Actor for the defining roles in their films.
“Straight Outta Compton” the biographical drama film that chronicles the rise and fall of Compton rap group “N.W.A” , picked up one nomination for the award show- Best Original Screenplay- regardless of being a favorite amongst many of 2015. The film made a staggering $200 million worldwide and is also the highest grossing music biopic of all-time in the United States, all-time highest domestic grossing film from a black director in the United States, and the all-time highest grossing music biopic.
Many went online to release their frustration of the lack of diversity in the categories. The hashtag #Oscarssowhite, which was started last year, trended across social media with over 100,000 mentions.
“I understand that the voting for nominees is based off of an acting performance, but I just find it messed up how not one person of color was nominated. Hopefully, the Academy learns their lesson because things aren’t looking too good for them right now,” Rida Rehmat, senior, said.
Among those voicing their opinions was critically acclaimed director, Spike Lee. The director went to his Instagram Monday, expressing his frustration, saying, “How Is It Possible For The 2nd Consecutive Year All 20 Contenders Under The Actor Category Are White? And Let’s Not Even Get Into The Other Branches. 40 White Actors In 2 Years And No Flava At All. We Can’t Act?! COME ON… People, The Truth Is We Ain’t In Those Rooms And Until Minorities Are, The Oscar Nominees Will Remain Lilly White.”
Lee also announced that although he was awarded an honorary Oscar this past November by Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs And The Board Of Governors Of The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences, him and his wife would not be attending this years show.
Another star that didn’t shy away to voice their opinion, was singer- songwriter Jada Pinkett Smith.
In a video posted to Facebook, Pinkett Smith said she would not even watch the Oscars on TV this year. Her husband, Will Smith, had been considered an Oscar contender for his role in “Concussion” but was not nominated, (in an interview with Good Morning America, he later announced that they would not be attending as well). She stressed the importance of people of color in today’s society saying, “Today is Martin Luther King’s birthday, and I can’t help but ask the question: Is it time that people of color recognize how much power, influence, that we have amassed, that we no longer need to ask to be invited anywhere?” she said.
“I’m glad that these big stars are stating their opinion because especially in 2016, there is no room for racism. All people regardless of their looks or skin color, should be embraced and appreciated for their work” Asma Ahmed, sophomore, said.
Only time will tell how successful the Oscars are in promoting diversity amongst the world of cinema, and our society in general. Especially with an Academy board of 93 percent white and 76 percent male, we all hope the award show may achieve equality.
