Protests Over Lack of Diversity in Oscars Expected Ahead of Award Show

After director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo of the critically acclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. biopic Selma were snubbed, civil rights groups have called for a boycott of the Oscars as well protests ahead of the award show.

According to Reuters the National Action Network, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable have all said they plan to gather on Oscar Sunday.

And with good reason. Reuters reports:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars, does not disclose the demographic breakdown of its roughly 6,100 members, but has long been criticized for being predominately white and male.

A 2012 investigation by the Los Angeles Times found Academy members were 94 percent white and 77 percent male. Members, who are selected for their work and recommended by existing members, had a median age of 62, the study said.

This year’s nominations had no ethnic minority actors among the 20 nominees in all four acting categories, which spawned the trending Twitter hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite.”

Here’s my fantasy of Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic skipping the red carpet to cover Sunday’s other big event:

Ryan: “The Rev. is dressed casually tonight in a classic starched white shirt and khakis. Oh and look at this fabulous pin he’s rocking that reads, what does it read? ‘black lives matter’. Who makes this Rev., Chanel? Looks like Chanel”

Rev: “No.”

Giuliana: “I’m really loving your spirit tonight. I think you’re gonna really win big tonight.”