Figures in Hollywood have overall been rather vocal about the lack of diversity in this year’s Academy Award nominations. After discovering that only white actors had been recognized for the past two years, the internet exploded with both celebrities and us plebeians giving opinions on allegations of racism and what could possibly be done to amend the situation. Danny DeVito recently spoke up during an interview at the Sundance Film Festival as to what he believes the problem in Hollywood, and the country as a whole is:
It’s unfortunate that the entire country is a racist country. Even though some people have given really great performances in movies, they weren’t even thought about. We’re living in a country that discriminates, and has certain racist tendencies.
Well, Danny DeVito sure didn’t hold back or censor his opinion to appease people, that’s for sure. The Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor did this interview with poise and tried to really express his thoughts calmly and eloquently, even if it’s an opinion that many would be against. Of course the words “entire country” is quite the allegation, and one that may get DeVito in some hot water.
The controversy around the Academy Awards as a whole has been only increasing in notoriety since the nominations were announced. From the jump, people took to social media to voice their disapproval of an apparently antiquated system for nominations, with #oscarssowhite becoming viral across social media platforms. While the hashtag was created by a non-celebrity, many Hollywood figures of color have been utilizing it to voice their feelings about discrimination in the business.
Most famously, Jada Pinkett Smith has called for actors and actresses of color to boycott the Academy Awards altogether. While Smith’s stance is for her peers as a whole, many believe that it comes from her husband Will Smith’s lack of nomination for his work in Concussion. Will Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star Janet Hubert took to Facebook to publicly shame the Smiths for this call to boycott, saying that it was an unrealistic and selfish request to make of film professionals who need to make face at the ceremony.
While Danny DeVito’s statement regarding race in the country may offend people, you can’t deny his ability to articulate his opinion regarding racial tensions. Since race is such a personal and touchy subject, conversation can often become heightened and confrontational. DeVito counters this, opening up a calm dialogue, regardless of how shocking the words may be.
You can watch Danny DeVito’s interview below, courtesy of the Associated Press.
