Twitter users responded to the Oscar nominations’ lack of any black or minority ethnic actors being given a nod by the Academy with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.
Many were shocked by the fact that Selma was largely snubbed in the big categories, with Ava DuVernay omitted from the best director shortlist and David Oyelowo from the best actor category.
Most of the posts made fun of the Academy, characterising the awards show as a clueless white friend who makes racially insensitive comments.
#OscarsSoWhite it thinks Macklemore actually DESERVED that Grammy.
— Jawjuh Peach (@NrdLovnNetta) January 15, 2015
#OscarsSoWhite they can't be racist because they totally intended on seeing Selma, and it's like the thought that counts.
— Rachael Krishna (@RachaelKrishna) January 15, 2015
#OscarsSoWhite they want to touch your hair
— Ijeoma Oluo (@IjeomaOluo) January 15, 2015
#OscarsSoWhite Exodus was snubbed because it was too diverse.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) January 15, 2015
People also brought up the ethnic breakdown of the Academy voters, 94% of whom are white and 77% of whom are male, with black and latino voters making just up 2% each.
The diversity gap in the Academy Awards via @WritersofColour #Oscars2014 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/LvnOUZ2H3d
— Amélie Koulanda (@akoulanda) March 2, 2014
Last year’s ceremony was celebrated for its recognition of black actors and directors, with Steven McQueen taking home best picture for 12 Years A Slave and Lupita Nyong’o best supporting actress for her portrayal of Patsy in the same film.
Before last year’s awards, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ first black president and announced the nominees alongside JJ Abrams, Chris Pine and Alfonso Cuaron, predicted that the success of 12 Years A Slave would be a game-changer for diversity and the Academy.
“I would say that means a major door will have been kicked down,” Boone Isaacs said weeks before McQueen won his Oscar.
“I believe very strongly that the entertainment and motion picture business is going to be more open and aware of different voices.”
