When it comes to the 2016 Oscars, many people are not happy. On Saturday, Jan. 16, we reported that Rev. Al Sharpton had made a public plea for the Black community to boycott the show altogether. “All white Oscar nominations are another example of the lack of diversity in Hollywood. Like the Rocky Mts. The higher u climb the whiter,” he tweeted.
Adding, “Hollywood has a fraudulent image of progressive and liberal politics and policies. We must take direct action to correct this. Talk is cheap.”
The #Oscars. The White BET Awards. https://t.co/8qjLR0uysI
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) January 15, 2016
Now, actress Jada Pinkett Smith has shared her thoughts on the lack of diversity exhibited in the second year in a row. “At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain,” she wrote via Twitter. “But we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of color refrain from participating all together? People can only treat us in the way in which we allow. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment.”
Meanwhile, Chris Rock, who is hosting this year’s festivities, attempted to make light of the situation when he tweeted a promo clip highlighting three reasons to watch the annual, prestigious ceremony honoring the best in film, a day after the nominations were announced. “The #Oscars. The White BET Awards,” read the caption.
What are your thoughts on the latest celebrity reactions surrounding the lack of diversity at the 2016 Oscars? Sound off in the comment section below.
