Jada Pinkett Smith recently ignited a heated debate over whether or not African American actors should boycott this year’s Academy Awards, given the lack of diversity. The “Gotham” star didn’t hold back her outrage that the 20 actors nominated for Oscars were white.
The actress has since acknowledged President Cheryl Boone Isaacs‘ plan to do the work necessary to ensure the makeup of the Academy is more reflective of the real world.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Academy, specifically Cheryl Boone Isaacs, for such a quick response in regard to the issue at hand. I look forward to the future” said Jada on her Facebook page.
Jada’s latest statements are quite calm given her previous opinions on the situation.
“At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain, but we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments” she initially said in a series of tweets. “Should people of color refrain from participating all together? People can only treat us in the way in which we allow. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment.”
In response to the boycott spearheaded by Smith as well as director Spike Lee and civil rights activist, Al Sharpton, Isaacs released a statement.
“The Academy is taking dramatic steps to alter the makeup of our membership. In the coming days and weeks we will conduct a review of our membership recruitment in order to bring about much-needed diversity in our 2016 class and beyond.”
She also added, “In the ‘60s and ‘70s, it was about recruiting younger members to stay vital and relevant. In 2016, the mandate is inclusion in all of its facets: gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. We recognize the very real concerns of our community, and I so appreciate all of you who have reached out to me in our effort to move forward together.”
Do you think Jada’s response is a sign that she and Will have changed their mind about attending the Oscars ceremony?
Jada Pinkett Smith Responds To Oscars Boycott Controversy was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
