The Wessex Wire

The Student News Site of West Essex Regional High School

The Wessex Wire

The Wessex Wire

Academy leave diverse performers at home

Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore (CC by 2.0)
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore (CC by 2.0)

By Gianna Aktas ’16

Every year when the Oscars come around, many are excited to see if their favorite actor was nominated or not. This year alone has been filled with extroadinary films and performances that will be remember long after the award season. Although many movies cast parts for white and black actors, not a single black actor received a nomination.

“Creed” was up for an Oscar this year: however, only one actor, Sylvester Stallone was nominated. Stallone, who plays Rocky Balboa was nominated for actor in a supporting role, but black actor Michael B. Jordan, who plays Adonis Johnson, was not. Jordan played a more significant role in the film and did not receive any recognition. “Creed” was directed by Ryan Coogler, a black director. However the only nominee the film received went to a white man who did not have a significant role.
Many of the films up for the gold or that were not nominated at all, were directed and cast by black men. Along with “Creed”, “Straight Outta Compton” cast majority of black actors for the roles. “Straight Outta Compton” was not nominated for any award, while movies with strictly white lead actors such as “The Danish Girl” were.
“The Academy should start to diversify their own membership,” senior Emma Lupo said.
The lack of diversity seen at the show caused many people to question if this was done on purpose or if these white actors truly deserved the awards more. This year’s awards were hosted by Chris Rock. Back in January, Rock made a comment on Twitter that called the Oscars the “White BET awards.” After Rock tweeted about the “BET” awards, #OscarsSoWhite began trending all over Twitter feeds.
The minute the show started Rock was making comments on the lack of diversity. From saying how if the Academy nominated hosts he wouldn’t even be up there, to continuously calling the awards the White People’s Choice Awards. His monologue was filled with digs towards the Academy, which appeared to be all that he talked about.
“Hollywood is sorority racist. It’s like ‘Well we like you Rhonda, but you’re not a Kappa.’ That’s how Hollywood is,” Rock said.
Gil Robertson, president of the African-American Film Critics Association, told Variety news in January that he was shocked, but not entirely surprised over this Oscar nomination issue.
“We have to redouble our efforts to convince them that diversity is important,” Robertson said. “They should be open to the stories of other people.”

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