Earlier Thursday morning (Jan. 14), the Academy announced this year’s contenders for an Oscar trophy. While a few revered films made the cut, other prominent and groundbreaking motion pictures were left off the list, or at least in the bigger categories like Best Picture, Best Director, or Best Lead Actor/Actress.
Now, Academy president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, shared her thoughts on the controversial occurrence. In a brief interview with Deadline, Isaacs expressed her despair, but also praised the popularity of the movies that were recognized.
“Of course I am disappointed, but this is not to take away the greatness (of the films nominated). This has been a great year in film, it really has across the board,” she said. “You are never going to know what is going to appear on the sheet of the paper until you see it. We have got to speed it up.”
The lack of diversity in this year’s Oscars list also reignited the Twitter topic, #OscarsSoWhite, which highlighted films such as Straight Outta Compton, Beasts Of No Nation, and Creed that should’ve received top nods ahead of the forthcoming showcase.
Besides Will Smith, and Michael B, Idris Elba was snubbed plus writer and director Ryan Coogler. I refuse to watch #OscarsSoWhite.
— Tara J. Young (@advocateNdc) January 14, 2016
I’m not even asking for charity, these under represented minorities DESERVE it #OscarsSoWhite
— Shamarria Morrison (@TheShaMor) January 14, 2016
#OscarsSoWhite isnt just lack of noms, its also lack of representation for POC in Hollywood. We cant get noms if we arent part of the films
— Erin Floyd (@ErinMPeyton) January 14, 2016