Jada Pinkett Smith Considers Boycotting Oscars Over Lack Of Diversity

Jada Pinkett Smith may be a no-show at the Oscars.

The actress took to social media on Saturday to address the lack of diversity represented among this year’s nominees, and suggested that ethnic minorities consider boycotting Hollywood’s biggest night in protest.

“At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain, but we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments,” she wrote in a message shared on her Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Will-Smith-On-Presidential-Run-Rumors-I-Could-Handle-Trump-Quite-Well
(Getty Images)

“Should people of color refrain from participating all together? People can only treat us in the way in which we allow,” she continued.

The 44-year-old isn’t alone in her disappointment.

RELATED: 2016 Oscar Nominations: See The Full List!

Thursday’s nominations acknowledged solely white performers in its
top acting categories for the second consecutive year, prompting immediate –
and familiar – social media backlash.

Among the overlooked performances from African-American actors are
Idris Elba in “Beasts of No Nation,” Samuel L. Jackson in “The
Hateful Eight,” and Jada’s husband, Will Smith, in “Concussion.”

While the N.W.A. biopic “Straight Outta Compton” did
receive a Best Original Screenplay nod, both nominated writers are white.

In addition, Sylvester Stallone’s Best Supporting Actor nomination
marks the only Oscars recognition for “Creed.” Star Michael B. Jordan
and director Ryan Coogler both went unnoticed for their work on the acclaimed
film.

RELATED: ‘The Revenant’ Leads Oscar Nominations

As previously reported, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs spoke to Access Hollywood’s Liz Hernandez about the controversy following Thursday’s nominations announcement.

“Well, it is disappointing, I have to say. This is something that’s very important to the Academy and important to me and we are going to continue this fight of the discussion and the discussion is a good one,” she said. “But, it is not just about talking, it is about doing and we are very much still in that seat to drive this issue, to have more inclusion of people of color and women to participate in one of the greatest art forms there is.”

Chris Rock, meanwhile, chimed in on Friday while promoting the Feb. 28 ceremony, which he’ll be hosting.

“The #Oscars. The White BET
Awards,” the comedian Tweeted.

— Erin Biglow

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