In the aftermath of the Academy Award nominations late last week, with another round of "white-washing" being accused at the Academy voting members, Hollywood is reacting loudly.
Straight Outta Compton producer Will Packer took to Facebook to write an open letter to the people behind this year's Oscar nominations, starting with congratulating those who did get nominated, before moving on to the black cast and crew members who were left without any nominations.
I want to congratulate all of the Academy Award nominees. These people are quite deserving of being recognized as the...
Posted by Will Packer on Friday, 15 January 2016
While most musical biopics manage to garner a lot of Academy attention - the likes of Ray or Walk The Line were all heavily nominated - but despite becoming a surprising box office hit ($200m on a $28m budget), Straight Outta Compton was only nominated for one Oscar.
Meanwhile, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, whose husband Will Smith failed to be nominated for his work in Concussion, took to Twitter to discuss the topic, and questioning whether black actors and crew should boycott the ceremony altogether.
At the Oscars...people of color are always welcomed to give out awards...even entertain, (pt. 1)
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 16, 2016
But we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of color refrain from participating all together? (pt 2)
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 16, 2016
People can only treat us in the way in which we allow. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment. J (pt 3)
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 16, 2016
This was followed up by a video on Facebook which confirmed that she would indeed by boycotting the ceremony.
We must stand in our power.
Posted by Jada Pinkett Smith on Monday, 18 January 2016
Similarly, director Spike Lee took to Instagram to announce he would not be attending, despite receiving an honourary Oscar in November.
"[H]ow is it possible for the second consecutive year all 20 contenders under the acting category are white? And let’s not even get into the other branches. Forty white actors in two years and no flava at all. We can’t act?! WTF!!”