American actor, producer, rapper, and songwriter Will Smith says he is 'Very Pleased' With Academy's Aggressive Changes, according to Rolling Stone Magazine. The Academy Awards, or "Oscars", is an annual American ceremony hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
For the second year in a row, The Oscars have nominated their best and whitest. A group of actors and actresses for best acting nominations severely lack diversity, which has been causing great controversy in Hollywood and beyond. Disappointed that minorities are disregarded once again, actress Jada Pinkett Smith and filmmaker Spike Lee have joined forces to spearhead a boycott.
Pinkett Smith's husband, Will Smith, was one of those snubbed of a
nomination, despite his stellar performance in the film Concussion.
However, Smith insists his recent decision to join the boycott is not
about him; it is about everyone.
This is far beyond me, Smith reiterated, in an interview with BBC. Awards are a really frivolous reason for me to put my hand
up and make a statement. For me, this is much more about the idea of
diversity and inclusion.
A member of the Academy, himself, Smith called the issue a more
?domestic family issue? than civil rights issue; a ?we? issue, not ?us
and them.?
The movement took to social media to ignite the boycott, trending the
hashtag #OscarSoWhite, fueling an overwhelming response from
celebrities and audiences. Fans even demanded Chris Rock remove
himself as host, but, instead, Rock chose to take this role and make
something significant of it by rewriting his opening monologue.
Oscars producer Reginald Hudlin told Entertainment Tonight that the
Academy and the producers are eager for Rock to speak, confirming:
Chris is hard at work. He and his writing staff locked themselves in
a room.
Since the controversy began, the Academy has promised to double the
membership of women and minority members by the year 2020. The
Academy is going to lead and not wait for the industry to catch up,
Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced.
Smith told BBC he was very pleased? with this step to making his choice a historic change. Nonetheless, it will take everyone?s involvement to
overcome. For now, the Smith's and Lee's decision to be absent from
the Awards telecast will speak louder than their presence.
The nominations reflect the Academy, which reflects the industry
Hollywood and therefore it reflects America, Smith said in an
interview with Good Morning America, We got to figure it out and we
got to make it right.
By: Elizabeth M. Trocchia
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