Callum wrote:Except the Academy has a history of being institutionally racist and has snubbed numerous black actors and directors over the years. This isn't a one-off year, it's par for the course. There's a fair few this year who deserved a nomination this year for sure - Michael B. Jordan in Creed and Idris Elba in Beasts of No Nation being two of the most glaring examples - and last year it was an absolute farce that Bradley Cooper got the nod for American Sniper ahead of David Oyelewo for Selma, who probably should have won the damn thing.
That said, I do think the issue is more with Hollywood as a whole rather than the Oscars. There's definitely a massive lack of opportunities for minorities.
Michael B Jordan didn't deserve a nomination imo. Creed is a decent boxing movie but they're all the same - Jake Gyllenhaal gave a better performance in Southpaw.
I don't think that's racism, historically it's very rare for the Academy to nominate actors who have portrayed athletes in film (don't know for sure but I think De Niro in Raging Bull is the only time an actor has won the Best Actor award for a sports based movie).
Johnny Depp (Black Mass) and Tom Hanks (Bridge Of Spies) were both better in those than Jordan was in Creed and neither were nominated.
Haven't seen Beats Of No Nation so can't comment.
Agree RE American Sniper, but those cheesy, patriotic movies always get overhyped - America just eats that shit up.
I'm not denying that there is institutional racism embedded in Hollywood - clearly there is as built in racism exists in many facets of the world let alone something as elite as Hollywood - I'm just cynical because all this outrage and brouhaha only started after Will and Jada Smith spoke out over what they perceived to be a snub for his role in Concussion.
I just don't think it's genuine, why weren't they complaining all these years before seeing as lack of minority representation has been a problem forever?
They weren't concerned then but as soon as Will is ignored they are butthurt, make a statement and because they have clout it becomes a big thing and all of a sudden people jump on the bandwagon and the whole issue becomes inescapable and shoved down our throats etc.