The Academy Awards honor some of Hollywood’s best for their work. But just as in previous years, all the nominees are white, which is proof of the Oscar’s preference for white actors.

This is not the first time the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has locked out non-white nominees.That’s why the hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite” has been trending on social media.

Black actors like Will Smith and his wife, Jada Smith, are boycotting the event. Will Smith starred in the movie “Concussion”, which received praise from critics, but did not make the nomination. Others are also speaking up about the controversy, like African-Mexican actress and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and President Barack Obama.

Movies like “Concussion,” “Beast of No Nation,” and “Straight Outta Compton” all made over $100 million at the box office, bringing fresh storylines, phenomenal acting and great visuals. The actors and directors behind these movies need to be recognized for their contribution to the film industry, yet they’re being completely ignored because they’re not white.

The only nomination for “Straight Outta Compton” went to the screenwriters, all four of whom are white. Ice Cube, the black producer of the film, as well as the other black cast members,  did not even get invited to the event. This is proof of the sly racism of the Oscars.

The Oscars are a corrupted system, and the way nominees are chosen must change.  The Academy claims that it is ready to make these changes.  Let’s hope so:  If the Academy doesn’t change their system, people should simply stop watching the Oscars.