Ever since the Oscars nominees dropped last week, people have associated the award show more with controversy than celebration. From Will and Jada to Spike Lee, celebs are upset because of the lack of diversity. Now, actress and Oscar nominee, Charlotte Rampling has a few words of her own!
According to the New York Times, Rampling, who is nominated for her role in a drama, “45 Years” spoke to Europe 1 Radio Friday morning on how boycotting the Oscars is racist in its self. She says that you never really know who will make the “short list,” while even saying maybe this year it wasn’t in the cards for Blacks to be nominated.
“Sometimes maybe black actors didn’t deserve to make the shortlist,” she said. “We live now in countries where anyway people are more or less accepted. There are always problems: ‘He’s less handsome’ or ‘He’s too black’ or ‘He’s too white.’ There will always, always be someone who will say, ‘Oh, you’re too ….’ What are we going to do? We’re going to classify all that to create thousands of little minorities everywhere?”
It’s awkward in a sense because after the British actress made her point against Spike Lee’s feelings, the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sided with the director, saying there is a need for more diversity.
Spike Lee, who clarified he was not boycotting the Oscars, but simply just wants justice in the film industry recently inspired the Motion Picture Academy president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs to start recruiting more minority figures in the office! According to TMZ, there was a vote casted Thursday night by members of the Academy who are taking active steps to have more diversity and increased voting rights!
It Get’s even more complicated for Rampling, because after her interview aired, she was dragged for her comments. She later went on to clarify her statements on CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” saying this:
“I regret that my comments could have been misinterpreted this week in my interview with Europe 1 Radio. I simply meant to say that in an ideal world every performance will be given equal opportunities for consideration. I am very honored to be included in this year’s wonderful group of nominated actors and actresses.”
Rampling also goes on to speak on about the influence of voters at the Board who seek future change in the diversity of their members. “Diversity in our industry is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I am highly encouraged by the changes announced today by the Academy to diversify its membership, Rampling told CBS News.”
Let’s hope the 69 year-old Oscar nominee has come to her senses.
http://www.oscars.org/news/academy-takes-historic-action-increase-diversity
http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/22/oscars-vote-increase-diversity/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/charlotte-rampling-clarifies-oscar-racism-remarks/
TSR Intern: Charise W.
Instagram: @planet_reese
