Oscar award winner Lupita Nyong'o has joined other outraged black entertainers in criticising the 2016 Oscar Nominations, which have been marred with controversy following the exclusion of blacks from the coveted list.
Lupita, daughter of Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o, took to her instagram to express her disappointment stating: “ I am disappointed by the lack of inclusion in this year's AcademyAwads nominations. It has me thinking about unconsciuos prejudice and what merits prestige in our culture. The Awards should dictate the terms of art in our modern society, but rather be a diverse reflection of the best of what our art has to offer today”.
Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett and director Spike Lee publicly vowed to boycott the much celebrated awards, while other black actors bashed the Academy for the obvious discrimination.
Lupita indicated her support for fellow entertainers citing: “I stand with my peers who are calling for change in expanding the stories that are told and recognition of the people who tell them”.
Academy President Boone Isaacs also condemned the lack of inclusion.
"I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion. This is a difficult but important conversation, and it's time for big changes. The Academy is taking dramatic steps to alter the makeup of our membership." Boone said in a statement.
