Since the 2016 Oscar nominations were announced, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has been dealing with backlash over the lack of diversity in the nominations. Danny DeVito is the latest celebrity to weigh in on the controversy.
According to Deadline, DeVito opened up about America, noting that many are still racist and the fact that there were actors of color that deserved to be nominated.
“It’s unfortunate that the entire country is a racist country,” he said at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.
“Even though some people have given really great performances in movies, they weren’t even thought about,” DeVito continued. “We’re living in a country that discriminates, and has certain racist tendencies.”
DeVito was not the only star to comment on the Oscars this weekend.
Actor Sam Neill said he was “baffled” by the nominations this year. “I would have thought that Idris Elba and Sam Jackson would have been a shoo-in for nominations,” he added, referring to the actors' performances in Beasts of No Nation and The Hateful Eight.
Stars like Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and Spike Lee have decided to boycott this year’s ceremony. In response to the controversy, the Academy has changed its membership rules.
Chris Rock is set to host when the Oscars air Feb. 28 on ABC.