The Oscars – the most iconic awards ceremony for film known around the globe. It is usually the most diverse, as well, but times change. “Welcome to the 87th Oscars,” host Neil Patrick Harris said to open up the show. “Tonight, we honor Hollywood’s best and whitest. Sorry… brightest.” Controversy over this white-dominated awards ceremony has sparked the anger of many viewers, claiming that it’s a “whitewash”. However, their anger is definitely not out of place- all the nominees for lead and supporting actors and actresses were white for the first time since 1998. For seventeen years the Oscars have held a diverse pool of those nominated, but the streak has reached its cutoff.

Despite this, some people of color were nominated for certain awards other than the main categories. For example, Alejandro Gonzalez, who is Mexican, won a total of three awards for writing, directing, and producing the winning film “Birdman.” His friend Emmanuel Lubezki, also Mexican, won an award for the cinematography design of “Birdman” as well. Aside from them, two black musicians, John Legend and Common, won the best song award for “Glory” from the film “Selma.” Other than these wins from people of color, all other awards, from production design to sound editing, had white and mostly male winners. Even the presenter pool was more diverse than the nominees- 23 white and 12 of color.

The criticism for this night’s performance has all been based off of facts which truly exemplify the idea that this year’s ceremony was a whiteout.

Megan McKern, Staff Writer

Sophomore Megan McKern is a staff writer for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She participates in GSA, fencing, and the indoor soccer team.