Do better, Hollywood. On Thursday, January 14, the much-anticipated announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees left many film fans feeling deflated, as the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite resurfaced online in reaction to a nearly all-white list of nominees.
For the second year in a row, every single acting nominee for the Academy Awards is white (director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu adds some diversity to the mix for his nominations linked to The Revenant) — and even Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs couldn’t hide her frustration.
“Of course I am disappointed, but this is not to take away from the greatness [of the films nominated],” she told Deadline of the uproar. “This has been a great year in film, it really has across the board. You are never going to know what is going to appear on the sheet of paper until you see it.”
Addressing the Academy’s very public efforts to increase diversity, Isaacs admitted, “We have got to speed it up.”
Several of this year’s biggest films, including Straight Outta Compton, Beasts of No Nation and Concussion, were noticeably absent from the list of nominees, despite being well-received both critically and at the box office.
One of the most controversial announcements was Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar nod for his supporting role in Creed; lead actor Michael B. Jordan received no recognition from the Academy.
Other surprise omissions from the list include Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation), Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina), Will Smith (Concussion), Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton) and Benicio Del Toro (Sicario).
Check out some of the most biting reactions on social media below.
Unless you’re portraying a stereotypical role, chances are you won’t get nominated. #OscarsSoWhite
— F.B.D-Wildberry™ (@hannuizm) January 14, 2016
Whoa, the attendance list of this Trump rally sure is high class. Oh nevermind, it’s just the Oscar nominations. #OscarsSoWhite
— Dan Telfer (@dantelfer) January 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/DaAngryManchild/status/687755744909758465
Why are #OscarsSoWhite? Because the latticework of power that writes & funds films is so white – and sees whiteness as neutral & universal.
— Eric Liu (@ericpliu) January 14, 2016
#OscarsSoWhite matters b/c there were great films this year with diverse stories, directors, performances, etc. that are given no attention.
— Ashley Kleger (@GerbsBlurbs) January 14, 2016
