Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs Addresses Lack of Color in Oscar Nominations

The recent nominations for the 88th annual Academy Awards have caused quite a commotion in the media and on social media. After director Spike Lee and actress Jada Pinkett Smith spoke out about the lack of diversity in the appointed nominees, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs decided to share her opinion toward the situation. On Monday (Jan. 18), Isaacs revealed her feelings surrounding the lack of color at the Oscars and the steps the organization is taking to create change.

In light of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, talk of discrimination rang high in Hollywood. Both Lee and Pinkett Smith shared their thoughts on the 2016 Oscar nominees, ultimately deciding they would be boycotting the award ceremony this year.

After much criticism surrounding the topic, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President released a public statement acknowledging the pattern that's been taking place in the Academy for years. She posted the statement on the organization's official Twitter account.

"I’d like to acknowledge the wonderful work of this year’s nominees," Isaacs wrote. "While we celebrate their extraordinary achievements, I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion. This is a difficult but important conversation, and it’s time for big changes.

On Thursday (Jan. 14), Isaacs hit the stage at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, California with actor John Krasinkski and directors Guillermo Del Toro and Ang Lee, to announce the official list of actors, directors, costume designers, and more nominated for their work in film. The categories were dominated by white actors.

Isaacs issued a promise to implement changes in the near future, which will involve detailed review of their membership recruitment process. She's looking to explore more diversity in the Academy itself, as well as, more color in the nominee selection.

"In 2016, the mandate is inclusion in all of its facets: gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation," Isaacs wrote. "We recognize the very real concerns of our community, and I so appreciate all of you who have reached out to me in our effort to move forward together."

The 2016 Oscars are scheduled to take place on Sunday (Feb. 28) at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. The ceremony will broadcast live at the Dolby Theater at Hollywood & Highland Center.

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Spike Lee, Jada Pinkett Smith