'Straight Outta Compton' Producer Criticizes Lack of Diversity in Oscar Nominations
“WE HAVE TO DO BETTER.”
Widely considered one of the films that was snubbed by the Academy Awards’ whitewashed nominations this year, Straight Outta Compton executive producer Will Packer has made his thoughts known on the matter of #OscarsSoWhite. In a Facebook post, Packer wrote: “To my #OscarsSoWhite folks who are angry at the absurd lack of diversity highlighted yet again by this year’s Oscar noms. Trust me, I get it. To my Academy colleagues, WE HAVE TO DO BETTER. Period. The reason the rest of the world looks at us like we have no clue is because in 2016 it’s a complete embarrassment to say that the heights of cinematic achievement have only been reached by white people.” He then compliments the cinematic achievements of actors of color who have similarly been snubbed by the Academy, such as Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan and John Boyega.
With the 88th Academy Awards due to be hosted by Chris Rock, the show’s controversy should supply an adequate amount of material for the comedian to use up on the big stage. Tune in on February 28 to see exactly what will go down at the star-studded event.
