Since the reveal of this year’s Oscar nominations, critics of the 88th Annual Awards show have slammed the Academy for their lack of diversity. After actors like Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike like called for a boycott of the awards, the Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs released a statement about the controversy. She wrote a positive message with hope for the future saying,
“I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of this year’s nominees. While we celebrate their extraordinary achievements, I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion…”
Since the release of Issacs statement on behalf of the Academy, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has been one of the more vocal critics throughout this controversy reached out via Twitter with a response about the Academy’s statement.
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Pinkett- Smith originally wrote an emotional letter on her Facebook page saying,
At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain, but we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of color refrain from participating all together? People can only treat us in the way in which we allow.
Following the Academy’s statement regarding the boycott, she wrote on her Twitter page;
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Academy, specifically Cheryl Boone Isaacs” she continued, “for such a quick response in regard to the issue at hand. I look forward to the future.”
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