While much of Hollywood was celebrating the Academy Awards, Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network was holding demonstrations across the country to protest the fact that no actors of color were nominated for an Oscar in any of the major acting categories.

“Black and brown people have contributed to this country's cultural development since its inception and we are not going to allow a racist institution to whitewash us out of history,” Minister Kirsten John Foy said Sunday night, addressing a couple dozen protesters who gathered outside the New York studios of ABC, the network that broadcast the awards ceremony.

Protesters chanted “black out the Oscars” and called on people of color to boycott the show.

Rev. Sharpton attended a demonstration in Los Angeles. His daughter, Ashley Sharpton, was at the New York action.

“We all watch the Oscars. We all participate. We all go to the movies. Why can't we all be reflected in the celebration?” Ashley Sharpton said.