Donald Trump isn't the only reason why white supremacists are alive and well in the United States. There are examples of racial prejudice and of the way that those with white skin enjoy certain privileges everywhere; those of colour are conspicuous by their absence even at the Oscars. Or at least they were. This year, there are many people of colour nominated for the Oscar Awards to be held this weekend. And there are other reasons why we are all looking forward to the 89th Academy Awards to be held in Hollywood:
This hashtag started to trend because of how Caucasians ruled the roost and to point out the lack of diversity at the Oscars. Blogger 'April Reign' started the hashtag and also called for a boycott of the ceremony.
Last year, not a single non-white actor was nominated in any of the major categories, stars such as Jada Pinkett-Smith, Will Smith and Spike Lee decided to boycott the Oscars.
This year, several non-white actors, filmmakers and technicians’, names have been nominated including Viola Davis, Naomie Harris, and Octavia Spencer for the best supporting role.
Actor Denzel Washington has been nominated this year for his role in Fences and is widely tipped to win. Mahershala Ali competes for the best actor Oscar for his role in Moonlight. Three African American screen writers have also been nominated in the best screenplay cateogry.
Indian origin British actor Dev Patel, famous for his role in the Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire, has also received a nomination for his role in Lion this year.
Meanwhile, Meryl Streep, arguably one of the most formidable actors of her generation, received her 20th Oscar nomination (incidentally that GIF above was her official response when she heard about her nomination). She has won thrice before. Recalling her speech about the newly elected Donald Trump, when she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes recently, I hope that she wins… if only to hear her speech this time around.
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