The hashtag #oscarssowhite began trending on Twitter for the second year in a row when the 2016 Academy Award nominations became available Jan. 14. Not one person of color is featured among the 20 nominees in the four acting categories. Last year was similar, when the only movie that offered a significantly diverse cast was “Selma,” which lost in the Best Picture category, but won for Best Original Song. The last time African-American actors were without any nominations in acting categories for two years in a row was between 1997 and 1998.
No one is saying this year’s movies and actors are unworthy of their nominations, but there are some surprising omissions to this year’s list. Idris Elba (“Beasts of No Nation”), Michael B. Jordan (“Creed”), Will Smith (“Concussion”), Oscar Isaac (“Ex Machina”) and a number of others all gave noteworthy performances ignored by the academy. “Straight Outta Compton” only received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and the script was written by white writers.
A part of the problem may lie in the way the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences accepts members. There are only two ways to be admitted into the organization: either be nominated for an Oscar or receive sponsorship from two current members of the Academy. This system results in many individuals of the same race being let into the organization, who are likely to vote for movies with stories and actors they relate to more.
Even considering the previously mentioned films featuring diverse casts, there remains a persistent lack of opportunities for minorities in Hollywood. There are much fewer roles, scripts and opportunities to direct for minorities in the industry such as Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians, LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities. There seems to be a misunderstanding that minority or female-driven movies might not sell, even though the idea has been proved wrong time and time again. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is one of the highest grossing movies of all time and it features a black male and a woman as its leading characters. People deserve to see movies that represent the diversity of our world and share their vital stories.
Perhaps this year’s host, Chris Rock, will call the academy out on their white-washed nominations of 2016. Stay tuned for the 88th annual Academy Awards airing Feb. 28 on ABC at 6:30 p.m. MT.
