Rev. Al Sharpton blasts lack of Oscar diversity, demands boycott of awards

When it came to actors Elba, Jordan and Will Smith (who was snubbed for his role in Concussion) were the most mentioned online. No, not one was nominated for the movie industry’s highest honor. I think we’re kind of hitting fossil territory at this point, despite the Academy’s admirable efforts to diversify its membership – there is only so much you can do about the actors branch.

Straight Outta Compton only received one Oscar nomination earlier this week, with Jonathan Herman, Andrea Berloff, S. Leigh Savidge, and Alan Werkus claiming the Best Original Screenplay nod. The people loved the movie, the people supported the movie – No. 1 at the box office, over $200 million worldwide. We need those of us in the industry, and those outside trying to get in, to continue to push Hollywood to create opportunities for these films so that we have more than a handful each year.

Speaking with Deadline.com yesterday about the all-white cast of performance nominees, Isaacs said, “Of course I am disappointed, but this is not to take away the greatness (of the films nominated)”.

“Being left out of Awards consideration is about more than just recognition for a job well done; winning an Oscar has long-lasting cultural and economic impacts”.

Others have beef… ‘Stars Wars’ didn’t get nominated for best pic, nor did J.J. Abrams for best director. In a promotional Oscar video, Rock pours white talcum powder over his hands and claps them. “That’s especially true for a best-picture front-runner like “Spotlight”.

Twitter users took to the platform to highlight the lack of diversity and question why some of the last 12 month’s biggest blockbusters starring black actors were ignored in the nominations.

The Oscar nominees for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress are white all white. He didn’t win and, judging from the span, range and virtuosity on display throughout his career, it couldn’t have mattered less.