As the nominations for the 2016 Academy Awards were announced last week, new backlash has quickly followed. Many people are outraged that actors of color in all major categories were overlooked when it came to ballot nominations. In fact, celebrities such as Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith are actively boycotting the Academy Awards this year. After Smith felt as if he was snubbed for his performance in Concussion, he took to Good Morning America for a candid interview. He bluntly stated, “No, I will not attend (the Academy Awards).  We are part of this community. We’re uncomfortable to stand there and say that this is okay.” In the end, his strong opinion has everyone questioning the ethics and morals of the nominations panel.

While Will Smith is boycotting the show, a celebrity such as Reese Witherspoon is advocating for changes within the panel of nominators. Some believe that the problems begin with the nominators, and there needs to be a more diverse group of people to nominate the motion pictures. With the Oscars slate to air about a month from now, one can only hope that this controversy doesn’t continue for much longer. Hopefully, with everyone’s opinions out in the open, change will be on its way for the Academy Awards.