Motion Picture Academy President Responds to '#OscarsSoWhite' Controversy

In light of this year's Oscar nominees, Motion Picture Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs is pushing for more diversity.

Isaacs, the first black president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, says that she is very proud of the individuals nominated for Oscars this year, but many Twitter users and others expressed their disappointment in the fact that all 20 acting nominees are white. Fans made their voices heard nationally on Twitter using #OscarsSoWhite, which was in the top trends on Twitter for over 24 hours. Additionally, outcry also resulted over the lack of female nominees in the writing and directing categories.

Isaacs says that the Academy is "commited to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion," to reach out to women and artists of color, which has been a specific focus for the last two years.

The 87th Academy Awards® for outstanding film achievements of 2014 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 7e|4p., at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The presentation, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, will also be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. For the first time, Neil Patrick Harris will host the ceremony.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Photo credit: Facebook