While fans are waiting for his upcoming "Bourne 5" movie, Matt Damon has shared his take on the ongoing controversy about racism in 2016 Oscar. The 45-year-old actor attended the premiere of "Manchester By The Sea" movie during the 2016 Sundance Film Festival at Eccles Center last weekend.
Speaking to press, Matt said that he does not think that there racism is present in the award-giving body as a member of the Academy himself. "You know, it's shameful and embarrassing," he said. "There's two years in a row that there are no people of color nominated. That's insane."
Matt was among the nominees for the best actor Academy Award for his film "The Martian," together with other white actors including Bryan Cranston for "Trumbo," Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Reverent," Michael Fassbender for "Steve Jobs" and Eddie Remayne for "The Danish Girl."
Hollywood A-listers Will Smith and Jada Pink Smith were among the stars who first announced their decision to boycott the 2016 Oscars Awards after learning the lack of minority actor nominees this year. The hashtag #OscarSoWhite trended in several social media sites that created a major stir.
However, despite some stars withdrawing their support for this year's Oscars, Matt expressed his admiration to Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs for taking affirmative action -- proposing double minority membership by 2020 -- in the middle of the controversy.
"It's a strong first step but that is all that it is, it's a first step," Matt told Us Weekly. "This is going to be a very long road. ... I was very happy that they did that."
In a separate report, the "Good Will Hunting" actor also claimed that the showbiz industry as a whole as a lot of things to consider and do before achieving the goal. We're talking about huge systemic injustices around race and gender that are a lot bigger than the Oscars," Matt opened up to the Associated Press. "They're massive issues in our industry and in our country."
Do you agree with the statements of Matt Damon? Do you believe that there is no racial discrimination in Oscars? Share to us your thoughts in the comment section below.
