The #OscarsSoWhite debate has made its way to the White House and, to no surprise, President Barack Obama thinks Hollywood could stand to be a tad more diverse.
When asked about the Oscars’ diversity issue in an interview with KABC’s David Ono, the President played it diplomatically and said the movie industry should better reflect the makeup of the country.
“Well, look, I think that California is an example of the incredible diversity of this country. That’s its strength,” said Obama. “I think that when everybody’s story is told, then that makes for better art, that makes for better entertainment. It makes everybody feel part of one American family.”
Like many others, Obama also repeated the idea that the all white Oscars nominations are reflective of a larger problem in Hollywood.
“As a whole, the industry should do what every other industry should do, which is to look for talent and provide opportunity to everybody,” said Obama. “I think the Oscar debate is really just an expression of this broader issue of are we making sure that everybody is getting a fair shot?”
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