Cynthia Littleton | Variety |
Will Smith has joined his wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith , in vowing not to attend the Feb. 28 Academy Awards ceremony in protest over the lack of diversity among nominees in major categories this year. Smith’s decision comes as pressure mounts on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to address what many are calling the org’s diversity crisis.
Smith told “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts on Thursday that he is “uncomfortable” with the situation. For the second year in a row, the 20 acting nominees are all white. Smith generated Oscar buzz this awards season for his work in the football drama “Concussion.”
“My wife’s not going. It would be awkward to show up with Charlize (Theron) . We’ve discussed it. We’re part of this community. But at this current time, we’re uncomfortable to stand there and say this is OK.”
Smith has previously been nommed twice for best actor, for 2001’s “Ali” and 2006’s “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
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