Los Angeles, Feb 9 (IANS) The 88th Academy Awards have been criticised for lack of racial diversity in the nominations, but the ceremony as a whole will be far from homogeneous, according to one of the show’s producers.
This year’s Oscars telecast “will be the most diverse ever”, David Hill said at the annual Oscars nominee luncheon on Monday, adding that the show “will represent what the world looks like”, reports variety.com.
The Academy has already announced an inclusive lineup of presenters for the show, including Indian actress Priyanka Chopra and Hollywood celebrities Quincy Jones, Byung-hun Lee, Kerry Washington, Olivia Munn, Whoopi Goldberg, Benicio del Toro, and Kevin Hart. Chris Rock is hosting the event.
Since nominations were announced last month, prompting the return of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, the Academy has overhauled its membership and pledged to diversify its ranks.