The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has disappointed the masses with this year’s exceptionally white nominations, igniting frustration from members of Hollywood, and civilians alike.

My attention was first drawn to the situation due to Jada Pinkett Smith’s response after the release of the main four categories of nominees.

Her announcement to boycott the ceremony caught fire in the film industry. Husband Will Smith will also not be attending, along with Spike Lee, George Clooney, and David Oyelowo, all of whom believe the Academy does not reflect the diversity of America.

“I am an Academy member and it doesn’t reflect me, and it doesn’t reflect this nation,” said David Oyelowo, star of film “Selma.” The Oscar boycott continues to gain momentum as more Hollywood actors join the debate and spread awareness.

Business Insider revealed Al Sharpton has launched a campaign through his National Action Network for people to join him as well. Comparing Hollywood to the

Rocky Mountains, Sharpton said “the higher up you get, the whiter it gets. And this year’s Academy Awards will be yet another Rocky Mountain Oscars.”

After last year’s controversy over several films and actors who were “snubbed” from nominations, I expected a better outcome this year.

The backlash from actors speaking out against the Oscars is completely justified, and I hope the issue will reach the Academy soon enough to realize that the lack of diversity is bigger than an award, it’s become a part of a national conversation.

Talk has now even reached the White House, proving the Academy’s most recent nominations are indeed a serious matter.

Something as pressing as race should not be handled lightly, nor go unnoticed. President Obama made an eloquent comment pertaining to the Oscar debate: “It [diversity] makes for better entertainment. It makes everybody feel part of one American family. So I think, as a whole, the industry should look for talent, [and] provide opportunity to everybody. I think the Oscar debate is really just an expression of this broader issue. Are we making sure that everybody is getting a fair shot?”

Is everyone in America allotted a fair shot? As much as we’d like to think, “yes, of course, our president is black and there are T.V shows and movies with black people playing lead roles,” the reality is that the problem is still very much exists.

Therefore, I agree with Smith in her boycott. Her decision to take a stand and speak up for what she believes in has created a ripple that raises the discussion of race in an honest and upfront way.

Something that has also bubbled to the surface is the talk of what the host, Chris Rock, will say during the show, especially over the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.

Over the past couple of weeks, as the awareness towards the subject has risen, Rock even decided to rewrite the entire show.

Although there was pressure for Rock to drop out of hosting, I hold an immense amount of respect towards his decision to continue. He’s been given an incredible opportunity to take advantage of the lack of racial diversity, and I hope he addresses it head on.