Wendell Pierce on #OscarsSoWhite

The Brian Lehrer Show | Jan 22, 2016

Many people have called out the lack of diversity in this year's nominee list for the Academy Awards, prompting the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite and eliciting award boycotts.

Wendell Pierce, a producer and actor who appeared in HBO's "The Wire" and "Treme," offers his view of the lack of diversity in the nominee list and more broadly, Hollywood and the entire industry.

And what does Pierce see as the most insidious and insulting type of racism? "The feigned ignorance" of white industry members regarding finding talented directors, actors, and writers of color.

He points out he's not an insider -- he's not a member of the Academy, which is overwhelmingly white and male, and reminds us that women are left out when it counts, too (here's a Bechdel Test refresher, if you need it).

.@WendellPierce cites some statistics about @TheAcademy: 93% white, 80% male, average age 63.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2016

A statement from Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs pic.twitter.com/Nqhgc7sbqG
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 19, 2016

Let it be known that @WendellPierce wins my vote with his Bechdel Test mention during @BrianLehrer's #OscarsSoWhite segment!
— Jason (@crimsong19) January 22, 2016

What @WendellPierce finds insulting: ppl who say "I don't know where to find films/directors/actors of color/merit." https://t.co/k50i5ikWjK
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2016

"I will see Straight Outta Compton and The Danish Girl. I know [@TheAcademy] is only going to see The Danish Girl." -@WendellPierce
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2016

@BrianLehrer I'm an actor and lately I've been arguing with my agent about casting diversity. It is very hard to be seen for "white" roles.
— Mauricio Perez (@mowREEseeOH) January 22, 2016

Lastly...if you're hiding out at home this weekend to ride out the snow storm, Wendell Pierce has some suggestions for a few good movies featuring or made by people of color for your enjoyment:

.@WendellPierce recommends films with POC: -Girlhood -Timbuktu -Straight Outta Compton -Vanishing Pearls -The Black Panthers
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2016

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