#OscarsSoWhite shows lack of racial diversity in nominations. Again.

The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite has reemerged after last night's announcement of the 2016 Oscar nominees lacked racial diversity.

oscars so white

#OscarsSoWhite trended on Twitter after 2016 Oscar nominations revealed only white actors were nominated. Source: Universal Pictures International

The 2016 Academy Award nominations were announced last night and to the chagrin of many viewers not one acting nominee was of minority descent.

The lack of diversity in the nominations caused the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite to trend on Twitter.
This is not the first time the Oscars have been condemned for a lack of racial diveristy within their nominees, nor is this the first time this hashtag has trended.

The hashtag first appeared after last year's nominations were announced, when once again only white actors were nominated in the acting categories.

The outrage towards the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences is aggravated by the fact films like 'Straight Outta Compton', 'Hateful Eight', 'Creed', and 'Beasts of No Nation' which feature critically-acclaimed performances from black actors, were eligible for nominations this award season.

This year's Oscars will be hosted by Chris Rock, an African American comedian who frequently references racial issues in his work.
Several Twitter users, however, find the hashtag pot-stirring.
'Straight Outta Compton' which tells the story of Californian hip hop group NWA is however nomintated for Best Original Screenplay.

Popularity for the award ceremony has waned, with last year's Oscars telecast holding its lowest ratings in history.


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2 min read

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Updated

By Shami Sivasubramanian

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