Straight Outta Compton was one of the most successful films of 2015. The cast, promotional marketing and storyline were well-executed and according to box office sales, Hollywood had a reason to wear a jolly smile.
So, as the Oscar nominees were announced Thursday morning, why weren’t any of the film’s producers or cast members mentioned? Right.
Instead, the only nod went to the screenwriters, and you guessed it – the duo is comprised of a white man and white woman.
The film wasn’t even nominated in the “Best Films” category.
WhompWhompWhomp! The resurgence of #OscarsSoWhite is upon us.
Social media isn’t happy about this either. A few reactions can be found below:
Straight Outta Compton had like four of the best performances of the year in that ensemble cast. Can’t say I’m shocked though #OscarsSoWhite
— Amanda (@itsamandaross) January 14, 2016
Straight Outta Compton gets amazing reviews, breaks Box Office Records, critically acclaimed, and nothing…#OscarsSoWhite
— X (@XLNB) January 14, 2016
Definitely #2. Look at Jason Mitchell’s performance in Straight Outta Compton & tell me that wasn’t Oscar worthy https://t.co/GZyODcMUVD
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) January 14, 2016
If Straight Outta Compton’s screenplay was written by Black individuals, would this be a discussion right now?
Also, missing from the list are Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler for Creed, which wiped out the box office in success sales. Funny thing is that Slyvester Stallone made the list for “Best Supporting Actor.”
#OscarsSoWhite that Rocky got nominated in a movie about Apollo Creed’s son.
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) January 14, 2016
Hi, Creed was better than everything else nominated. Ok thanks, bye. #OscarsSoWhite
— Anil Dash (@anildash) January 14, 2016
Straight Outta Compton and Creed should’ve been nominated in more than one category. Every year it’s the same old story. #Oscars2016
— Terry McMillan (@MsTerryMcMillan) January 14, 2016
This just isn’t right.
The next move? People of color need to be in the writing room, handling all production aspects, and in front of the camera. We’re going to have to own every bit of the creative and business process. Make Black-owned projects. At that point, vision and greatness will become harder to deny…hopefully.
Get the complete list of Oscar nominations, here.
