President of the United States addressed the fact that the Oscars' lack diversity at the White House on Wednesday. He believed that the controversy surrounding #OscarsSoWhite was a reflection of the bigger problem - that of ensuring that everybody gets a fair chance.
With the momentum at which Academy Awards' #OscarsSoWhite controversy was trending, it was only a matter of time before it reached the White House. President Barack Obama related the Oscars' need for diversity to California itself, emphasizing on its diversity as its power. "That's a strength," he said in an interview with KABC. "I think that when everybody's story is told, then that makes for better art, it makes for better entertainment, it makes everybody feel part of one American family." Instead of assigning blame, he insisted that the (film) industry do what every industry should do: provide an equal opportunity and value talent.
President Obama has been notably supported by Hollywood during his presidency campaigns and his time in the White House, and first lady Michelle Obama announced Best Picture Academy Award in 2013.
The Oscars' diversity controversy has been widespread on social media since no actor or actress of color was nominated - for the second time in a row this year. It has led to the boycott of the Oscars by many, including actors Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and directors Spike Lee and Michael Moore. There is also talk of a boycott of the live Oscars' ceremony broadcast by viewers.
The Oscars ceremony will be held on February 28th. Chris Rock will be hosting the event, and everyone is excited to see how he will amend his monologue to address the controversy.
