Steven Spielberg Slams #OscarsSoWhite Campaign
- Three-time Oscar winner says he sees no “inherent or dormant racism” in the Academy and doesn’t 100% support the Academy’s rule changes to create more diversity into the organization
- Says it's great the Academy is working in a proactive way to promote change, but doesn't completely agree with "taking votes away from Academy members who have paid their dues and maybe are retired now"
- Says he was surprised “Straight Outta Compton” didn't receive a Best Picture nomination and that Idris Elba didn't get nomination for his role in “Beasts of No Nation”. However, does not believe these snubs have anything to do with the Academy, afterall Lupita won two years ago and so did "12 Years a Slave".
- Spielberg says the #OscarsSoWhite problem is actually rooted in a lack of diversity among filmmakers, screenwriters and studio executives.
“I think we have to stop pointing fingers and blaming the Academy. It’s people that hire, it’s people at the main gate of studios and independents. It’s the stories that are being told,” Spielberg told the Hollywood Reporter. It’s who’s writing diversity - it starts on the page. And we all have to be more proactive in getting out there and just seeking talent.”
“Look, I have two black children, you know? I’ve been colorblind my entire life,” he said. “When you just look at the films I’ve made, and look at the people who’ve worked on those films - look at the diversity within the crew, within the cast - I’ve always [had it].”
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