Award season is in full swing, and the Oscars are almost here! Now that we are nearly a month away from one of the most anticipated award ceremonies of the year, the host of the show has been revealed and the Oscar nominations have been announced. But not everyone is happy with the Academy's choices; Jada Pinkett Smith, George Clooney, and director Spike Lee all weighed in on the lack of diversity in this year's nominations.
Meanwhile, this could be the year that Leonardo DiCaprio takes home his first Oscar after being nominated for best actor for his groundbreaking performance in The Revenant. Read on for all the details, then check out this year's first-time nominees.
The 88th annual Academy Awards will take place on Feb. 28 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will air on ABC at 5:30 p.m. PST/8:30 p.m. EST.
Chris Rock will be returning to host the Oscars for the second time (you may remember him hosting the show back in 2005). In a statement to the Academy, the comedian said, "I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars. It’s great to be back."
Oscar nominees were announced on Jan. 14, with eight films dueling it out for best picture this year. The Revenant scored 12 nominations, but Mad Max: Fury Road was not far behind with 10 nominations. Meanwhile, The Martian was all over the list with seven nominations, and Jennifer Lawrence racked up her fourth Oscar nod in six years for her role in Joy.
Ever since this year's Oscar nominees were announced, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the nominations. Not only were there several snubs and surprises, but there has been an entire debate about the lack of diversity, resulting in #OscarsSoWhite coming back. Stars like David Oyelowo, George Clooney, and Idris Elba have all weighed in on the subject, as well as Jada Pinkett Smith — who even went as far as to boycott the show.
In a Facebook video, which Jada appropriately titled "We must stand in our power," the actress explained her decision, saying, "I can't help but ask the question: Is it time that people of color recognize how much power, influence that we have amassed, that we no longer need to ask to be invited anywhere?" Days later, former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress Janet Hubert responded to Jada, saying, "Girlfriend, there's a lot of sh*t going on in the world that you all don't seem to recognize. People are dying. Our boys are being shot left and right. People are hungry . . . and you're talking about some motherf*cking actors and Oscars. It just ain't that deep."
After taking home a Golden Globe for his performance in The Revenant earlier this year, Leonardo DiCaprio is up for best actor in a leading role at the Oscars. In a statement, the actor said, "I am so grateful to the Academy for their recognition of this film. Making The Revenant was one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life. None of this would have been possible without Alejandro [González Iñárritu]'s talent, vision, and determination. Our dedicated crew also deserves to share in this moment. Together, they have created a truly unique cinematic experience. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees this season. Thank you to the Academy."
While this is Leo's fifth nomination overall, the actor has yet to receive an Oscar. We're keeping our fingers crossed hoping this is his lucky year!