Jada Pinkett Smith agrees with many who are outraged over the Oscars’ lack of diversity, and she has decided to boycott the awards show.
If you’ve been on Twitter since this year’s Oscar nominees were announced, you may have seen the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite trending off and on. The backlash to this year’s list of nominees has been strong.
All 20 acting nominations – Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress – were given to white performers.
“At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain,” Pinkett Smith tweeted over the weekend. “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. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment.”
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
In a video posted to her Facebook page, Smith elaborated on her feelings about the Oscars. She announced that she would not attend, not will she watch the ceremony.
We must stand in our power.
Posted by Jada Pinkett Smith on Monday, January 18, 2016
Director Spike Lee has joined Pinkett Smith in her boycott.
The Academy Awards air on February 28th.