For the second year in a row, the Academy responsible for recognizing the best in Hollywood has come under heavy scrutiny for its shutout of minority actors. The backlash has led to some calling for a boycott of this year’s Academy Awards, spearheaded by household names like Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith. The controversy has all of show business up in arms, with a number of high profile industry members speaking varying opinions.
Despite the huzzah, the show must go on. And despite the lack of minority nominees, the Oscars are being hosted by a black man - Chris Rock. It’s quite an interesting contrast, but according to Variety, the comedian intends to perform, albeit with a little flair. The report confirms that Rock not only will remain host of the 2016 Academy Awards, but he also will address the same sensitive topic that has everyone riled up.
Rock is allegedly rewriting his entire show, and specifically the opening monologue, to discuss the increasingly popular hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. The article states that Rock will address the subject in a “big way,” and the new set of jokes will specifically mention names like Jada Pinkett and Will Smith.
“Chris is hard at work. He and his writing staff locked themselves in a room,” said Academy Awards producer Reginald Hudlin to Entertainment Tonight. “As things got a little provocative and exciting, he said, ‘I’m throwing out the show I wrote and writing a new show.
“Chris is that thorough,” he added. “He’s that brilliant, and I have 1000 percent confidence that he will deliver something that people will be talking about for weeks.”
Surprisingly, the Academy is totally on board with Rock’s plans. “And, yes, the Academy is ready for him to do that,” Hudlin said. “They’re excited about him doing that. They know that’s what we need. They know that’s what the public wants, and we deliver what the people want.”
The 2016 Academy Awards air live on Feb. 28.
