It’s a bit of an understatement to say that this year’s Oscar Awards ceremony was marred in controversy, this was due to the obvious fact that there was a shocking lack of diversity (despite being hosted by Chris Rock). In response to the negative feedback, and in an attempt to improve diversity, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences issued a record-breaking 683 new invitations. Recipients included the likes of: Idris Elba, America Ferrera, Regina King, Cary Fukunaga and Michael B. Jordan.
Director Ryan Coogler, who frequently collaborates with Jordan, was also extended an invite, but according to The Hollywood Reporter he’s not going to accept it. It was the director’s exclusion for his critically acclaimed Creed that sparked the whole #OscarsSoWhite campaign, however it’s not clear whether it’s a direct snubbed at the Academy for overlooking him this year, or whether he’s just busy doing something more productive—i.e. directing Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther film.
It may also come down to the fact that—like acclaimed Hollywood actors and directors Sean Penn and Woody Allen, "Coogler is an artist uninterested in judging other people’s art".
According to THR, Coogler’s representatives have declined to comment on his invitation.
[Via A.V. Club]
