Mark Ruffalo, an actor who is often ready to talk about social issues, said today that he was “weighing” a boycott of the Oscars after the Academy failed to nominate a single minority actor. It’s the first time that any of this year’s nominees suggested that they would skip.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Ruffalo said that he agreed with the complaints and he pointed out that there are also issues within the American justice system. For Ruffalo, the issue goes beyond Hollywood.
When asked if he might not go to the Academy Awards, Ruffalo said he is “weighing” that.
“I’m weighing it, yes. That’s where I am right now,” he said. “I woke up in the morning, thinking, ‘What is the right way to do this?’ If you look at Martin Luther King’s legacy, what he was saying was that the good people who don’t act are much worse than the wrongdoers who are purposely not acting and don’t know the right way.”
Ruffalo was nominated for his supporting performance in Spotlight, which is also up for Best Picture. The film is about the Boston Globe journalist who uncovered the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal.
Despite his comments on the situation to the BBC, Ruffalo has since tweeted out that he will definitely be going to the Oscars to support journalism and the victims of sex abuse.
Will Smith, who wasn’t nominated for Concussion, said he won’t go. His wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, and director Spike Lee are also not attending the ceremony on Feb. 28.
Earlier today, it was reported that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is considering making changes next week to combat the lack of diversity.