David Oyelowo calls lack of diversity in Oscar nominations 'unforgivable'

David Oyelowo is the latest to come out against the Academy of Motion Picutre Arts & Sciences for the lack of diversity in this year's Oscar nominations.

The actor recently spoke at an event honoring Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, but he broke from his prepared statement to discuss the recent Oscars controversy. Oyelowo knows all too well about people of color being snubbed for awards, as he famously was not nominated for his role as Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma last year.

"For 20 opportunities to celebrate actors of color, actresses of color, to be missed last year is one thing; for that to happen again this year is unforgivable," he said, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Oyelowo went on to say that actors grow up dreaming of being accepted into the Academy, but the institution does not reflect him or the nation as a whole. He also pointed out that two of the biggest movies at the box office right now, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Ride Along 2, are led by black actors, yet this diversity is not reflected by the Academy.

Oyelowo concluded, "We cannot afford to get bitter, we cannot afford to get negative. But we must make our voice heard.”

Director Spike Lee and actor Jada Pinkett Smith have both said they plan to boycott the Academy Awards this year. Even Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs herself has said she is "heartbroken and frustrated" by the lack of diversity.

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