Despite the calls to boycott the 88th Academy Awards because of the lack of diversity in the nominees, a diverse range of entertainers will make up the list of presenters that evening. Among them are Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart, Pharrell Williams and The Weeknd – who is nominated in the Best Original Song category for “Earned It.” The show will be hosted by Chris Rock, and will live air on ABC on Sunday, February 28. Check out the full list of presenters below. Will you be tuning in?
@OSheaJacksonJr Will Not Boycott The Oscars
There is a lot of talk going on about the Oscars right now, as many are upset about the lack of diversity in the nominees. Notable names like Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tyrese and Snoop Dogg have announced their decisions to boycott the prestigious awards ceremony until a real change comes, and even the Academy’s President has released a lengthy statement about the situation, promising a concerted effort moving forward to prevent the lack of inclusion. In the conversation about the lack of diversity in the nominees, Straight Outta Compton has come up quite often – as not only did it feature amazing acting from newcomers O’Shea Jackson Jr., Jason Mitchell and Corey Hawkins, but it broke box office records around the globe, and shined another much-needed light on racial profiling from police – a very pressing issue right now. Despite all of this, however, it was only nominated for Best Screenplay…and guess what? The film’s two writers? Yeah, they’re white. SOC star (and my future children’s father! Hey bae!) O’Shea Jackson Jr. isn’t worried, though, and he still plans to be in attendance, come February 28. (Totally available that day if you need a date, Shea…)
Motion Picture Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs Responds To Oscars’ Diversity Criticism
After the nominees for the 2016 Academy Awards were announced last week, many were shocked and saddened to see that almost no diversity was to be found in the nominations, and huge films like Straight Outta Compton, Concussion and more were completely left out. Following calls for a boycott of the Oscars from the likes of Jada Pinkett-Smith, Spike Lee and more, The President of the Motion Picture Academy (above) has issued a positive (and hopefully true) response. “I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of this year’s nominees,” Cheryl Boone Isaacs began. “While we celebrate their extraordinary achievements, I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion…” Hit the gallery for the full statement. Do you think this will bring on the change that needs to happen?
