The 88th annual Academy Awards Show is taking place Feb. 28 and bringing more controversy than trophies. Last year, ratings dropped a deep 16 percent because of a lack of diversity — all nominees were white. This is the second consecutive year that the Academy has neglected to nominate any actors of color in the acting category of the show, stirring up thoughts if the Oscars are a truly racist show or if it’s just a coincidence.

It’s no secret that there’s a noticeable difference between the number of whites in the film industry and the number of other races, generating a greater number of white films.

The lack of other races being nominated by the Academy isn’t a sign of racism or discrimination, it’s the result of the lack of options to be nominated in the first place. However, just because there are fewer movies not starring white people, it shouldn’t immediately mean they are worthy of a nomination. Diversity in an award show is not as important as the talent of the nominees.

In an attempt to extinguish the racism rumors against the Oscars, actor and comedian Chris Rock will be hosting this year, and yet some viewers are taking offense to a black man hosting a white show, but it’s not something to cause this much trouble about. Questions are already flying as to if Rock will back out as host to the “White BET Awards,” which he has jokingly named the Oscars. Hopefully, Rock is no 2011 Eddie Murphy and won’t back out of his commitment for these assumptions.

When the nominees of the 87th award show were announced, the infamous hashtag #OscarsSoWhite was created and quickly made a comeback once this year’s nominees were revealed. The hashtag was created by April Reign, an attorney and blogger who conveniently gained few high-profiled clients after drawing attention to the topic.

With so much attention on the Academy this year, it will be interesting to see how the 88th Oscars will pan out. Even though drama makes good television, it’s not really needed in award shows unless you’re Nicki Minaj. In that case: Academy, what’s good?

Megan Rosen, Staff Writer

Sophomore Megan Rosen is a staff writer for the 2015-2016 Colonel. She is on the volleyball team.