We all know the controversy with the all white actor nominees for the 2016 Oscars, which ended with the hashtag: #Oscarssowhite. With Director Spike Lee siding along with the Smith's "boycott," many would assume other black actors would follow suit. Part of their cause included artist Plastic Jesus who depicted a 1950s-themed photo, separating a done up sink with the label "White" and a barely average one labeled "Black." However, this doesn't seem to be the case with many seeing the Oscars boycott as unnecessary.

Jamie Foxx, Ice Cube, and Steven Spielberg find this Oscars boycott to be unreasonable. In a recent statement, Ice Cube mentioned how a person shouldn't complain about an event they never attended in the first place. Obviously not impressed with Jada Pinkett Smith's "riot," he also mentioned that movies are for the fans and not for the awards; awards are just a bonus. Jamie Foxx agreed, also adding Denzel Washington to the list, stating they both have Oscars, meaning there is no big deal for the #Oscarssowhite hashtag. Steven Spielberg, although he is not a black actor himself, stated that just the sheer fact that actress Lupita Nyong'o being recognized for the movie "Twelve Years a Slave" shows the Oscars recognizes black actors when it's due. He also mentioned that "pointing fingers at the Academy" isn't the culprit for the lack of diversity, but instead it is the hiring crews that determine the diversity that is on the big screen.

The cause of the diversity on the Oscars stage seems to be divided among Hollywood. While the #Oscarssowhite cause gets a lot of attention on media with the population, it seems like the actors aren't following suit. It makes one question whether the Oscars are purposefully excluding black actors from accepting awards, or if the Academy actually felt that there wasn't a film deserving of the Oscar praise. While the outcry for diversity on the big screen is definitely one that needs to be addressed, the commentary from other big members in Hollywood almost lowers the merit of the Oscars boycott. However, it is our responsibility, as the public, to see all sides of the story before declaring one to be correct. It is important to remember, even if the Oscars boycott began because of a lack of a nomination for Will Smith this year, the lack of diversity in Hollywood is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Who knows, perhaps the backing for the Oscars' change will make strides toward the people of color roles we need for television!