The National Action Network Planning To Protest Sunday’s Oscar Ceremony Because Of Its “Lack Of Racial Diversity”

As I’m sure you’ve probably read, people weren’t happy about the fact that this year’s Oscars ceremony will “be the whitest Oscars since 1998.” There are no acting nominations for any non-white actors, nor any recognition of women in writing or directing categories. And I think the straw that broke the camel’s back with all this was the lack of recognition for Ava DuVernay’s Selma. Despite getting “Best Actor in a Drama,” “Best Director” nominations at the Golden Globes this year, and a whole lot more, the film was only given a “Best Picture” and “Best Original Song” nomination this year. And while folks on Twitter have calmed down after going in with #OscarsSoWhite, the National Action Network in LA is still piping mad, and plans to send a message to the Academy.

According to a statement obtained by EurWeb, political director Najee Ali says NAN wants to give Hollywood a wake up call:

“This year’s Oscars ceremony sends out a horrible message to our society with it’s[sic] lack of racial diversity in the selection of this year’s nominees. All 20 nominees in the Oscar’s acting categories are white. 94% of academy voters are white and 77% are male which clearly demonstrates the lack of diversity among academy members. While our coalition of civil rights leaders questioned the obvious omissions of director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo from the critically acclaimed civil rights drama “Selma,” our protest and concerns isn’t just about them. The issue of the lack of racial diversity is the larger issue that Hollywood must face and confront head on. That’s why our protest of this year’s Oscar’s ceremony is designed to be a wake up call for the entire industry.”

And LA Chapter President Pastor K. W. Tulloss added that “The National Action Network, is calling for the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Cheryl Boone Isaacs to accelerate the academy’s push to be more inclusive. With all of this year’s acting contenders being white and no women in the directing or writing categories. It’s obvious that the academy has a diversity problem they are going to have to fix.”

It’s unclear from the statement whether or not NAN plans to actually show up to where the show will be held (the Dolby Theatre) and boycott, or if they plan to boycott by not watching. But all will be made clear later today, as a formal announcement will be made today at a press conference at the NAN headquarters in LA.

The 87th Annual Academy Awards will air live on Sunday at 7 EST/4 PST…