Spike Lee will boycott the Oscars after the nominations revealed a lack of diversity.
Filmmaker Spike Lee and actress Jada Pinkett Smith say they will boycotting next month’s Academy Awards over a lack of diversity among the nominations.
The actress posted her message on Facebook:
This follows a series of tweets she posted over the weekend, slamming the all-white nominations.
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
Spike Lee announced his decision on Instagram.
The Do the Right Thing director wrote: "How Is It Possible For The 2nd Consecutive Year All 20 Contenders Under The Actor Category Are White? And Let's Not Even Get Into The Other Branches. 40 White Actors In 2 Years And No Flava At All. We Can't Act?!"
He posted his diatribe along with a photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the day of the civil rights leader’s holiday.
"It's No Coincidence I'm Writing This As We Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday," he wrote. "Dr. King Said 'There Comes A Time When One Must Take A Position That Is Neither Safe, Nor Politic, Nor Popular But He Must Take It Because Conscience Tells Him It's Right.'"
Read: Ice Cube Responds to Oscars Snub: I Thought We'd Get More
The Malcom X director, who released his latest film, Chi-Raq, last month, won an Honorary Oscar in November.
Read: The Oscar Nominations Lack Diversity, Again
Following the Oscar nominations, which feature 20 white actors, the host tweeted:
The #Oscars. The White BET Awards. https://t.co/8qjLR0uysI
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) January 15, 2016
Watch Below: The 9 Most Unexpected Moments from the Golden Globes
