Zoe Saldaña, Octavia Spencer, Scarlett Johansson and Josh Hutcherson are just a few of the big names that will be presenting at the 87th annual Academy Awards. On Feb. 22, the newly unveiled presenters will join Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep and Marion Cotillard during one of the biggest nights in film, as Hollywood celebrates the best performances in categories like Best Picture, Best Documentary and Best Original Score.
Last year’s winners, including Lupita Nyong’o, Jared Leto, Cate Blanchett and Matthew McConaughey will also be on hand to present trophies to the winners of the four major acting categories: Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor. There are currently more than 40 presenters scheduled to make an appearance at the star-studded awards ceremony.
Although the presenters list is flowing over the brim with diversity, the Academy received major backlash over their decision to nominated only white actors in the major acting categories. As previously reported, on Thursday, Jan 15. all of the actor categories announced were dominated by white entertainers; female screenwriters and directors were also snubbed.
While Oscar voters had the opportunity to make history by nominating Selma’s Ava DuVernay as the first African American woman in the Best Director category, instead they opted to reward an all-male, white contingent of stars. In 2012, a Los Angeles Times article reported that Oscar voters were 94 percent White, 77 percent male and only 14 percent were under the age of 50.
Well, at least we can look forward to a colorful cast awarding some of our generation’s biggest stars. The 2015 Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Feb. 22 on ABC. Will you be watching?
