Last week the Oscar nominees for outstanding performances in their respective categories were announced. While those slated to win were excited about their inclusion, there were a number of stars and prominent members of Hollywood’s film industry who displayed contrasting emotions.
Leading in the opposition to the selection of artists by the Academy are Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith.
The Oscars controversy began when the Internet began exploding with accusations that for the second time in a row, those who were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress awards in the run to the Oscars, were all racially White. This year’s nominees for Best Actor include
- Bryan Cranston (TRUMBO)
- Matt Damon (The Martian)
- Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
- Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)
- Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)
and for Best Actress, the list includes
- Cate Blanchett (Carol)
- Brie Larson (Room)
- Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)
- Charlotte Rampling (45 Years)
- Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
In an official statement to the public, Jada Pinkett Smith, known for her performance in GOTHAM as Fish Mooney most recently stated
There were mixed reactions from the artists’ community as to whether this racial snub was deliberate or not. With regard to Ms. Smith’s boycott of this year’s biggest award ceremony, prominent black public figures had their own say in the matter. Here was a reaction by Janet Hubert, former star of Jada’s husband’s show, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air who threw some major salty shade at Jada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Oxb7zOKE8
The latest announcement about the boycott comes from JPS’s husband himself, Will Smith, who also said he will be boycotting the Oscars along with his wife.
Social Media is, in the meanwhile, having a field day with people posting their personal comments, most of which are true, some of which are nasty and all of which make a valid point in some way or the other.
The Academy, however, is yet to respond to the allegations, and those who have been nominated are keeping mum about the whole racial snub. Frankly, Leonardo DiCaprio should be the one complaining, considering he’s put out performance after performance and still not won!
For a complete list of Oscar 2016 nominees, CLICK HERE.
