Lee, just like Pinkett Smith, questioned the Academy on the lack of diversity among the nominees for this year, although he gave praises and gratitude for the honorary Oscar he got last November.
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“This whole Academy thing is a misdirection play”, Lee said, explaining the fault lies within the studio system.
The 2016 Oscars airs on Sunday, Feb. 28, on ABC.
Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs yesterday addressed the outcry in a statement, stating that she was “both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion” and revealing changes that the Academy hopes to make to bring “much-needed diversity” to its membership.
“He’s going to do what he wants to do, and I’m going to support either way”, Lee said.
“Chris Rock is the host of the Academy Awards, and so to boycott him seems just as bad as what everybody’s saying”.
Filmmaker Michael Moore also has joined the boycott of the Academy Awards.
Will himself had been tipped for a Best Actor nomination, but the actor insists his wife didn’t take the stance she did because he was snubbed.
Smith echoed what fellow superstar actor George Clooney said earlier in the week: that it feels like Hollywood is slipping in “the wrong direction” when it comes to diversity.
“I’m not going to tell someone that you can’t go when there’s a chance there might be repercussions in their career”. More and more actors who are joining the boycott because no african american actors were nominated. Get HELLO! Canada, PEOPLE, Vanity Fair and over 100 more of the world’s best magazines for one low monthly price at Texture by Next Issue. “All I said was my handsome wife, we’re not coming”.
Chris Rock is set to host the Academy Awards but is facing pressure to bow out.
“And I think that those folks who are getting involved there should get involved with the people who are losing their lives every day, in the Black Lives Matter movement”.
Spike Lee stopped by Good Morning America (via The Hollywood Reporter) on Wednesday to add to his remarks, telling George Stephanopoulos that he simply has other plans on Oscar night and that he’s not encouraging anyone to “boycott” the ceremony.
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“We’ve discussed it and we’re a part of this community, but at this current time, we’re uncomfortable to stand there (at the Oscars) and say that this is OK”.
