Jada Pinkett Smith took to Twitter recently to vent her frustration about the lack of diversity (again) amongst this year’s Academy Award nominees. It appears the actress may be considering boycotting the event altogether—and we can’t say we really blame her.
On January 16, Pinkett put out a series of tweets about how there are no black actors nominated in the top categories. The nominee announcement has been so ill received that it immediately inspired the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite for the second time. The lack of diversity in the Oscars nominations have always been a problem and Pinkett said what many of us have been thinking about this ongoing trend.
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
While it may seem extreme for an actress to refuse to attend a classic awards show because of the nominees (or lack thereof), this may be just what the world needs to realize that this lack of diversity is not okay. We hope more celebrities voice their opinions and fight for equal representation in award nominations!