Oscars 2016: Barack Obama on #OscarsSoWhite controversy: 'It is an expression of a broader issue'
The President of the United States was speaking at a 'Live from the White House' event
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Your support makes all the difference.It seems like every actor under the sun has something to say about this year’s Oscar nominations and the ongoing row over diversity.
From Reese Witherspoon and Ava DuVernay to Clint Eastwood and Michael Caine, they’ve all given their opinion on #OscarsSoWhite.
President of the United States, Barrack Obama, has added to the discussion, telling reporters at the White House that the debate is “just an expression of this broader issue”.
The 54-year-old spoke about diversity leading to “better entertainment” that reflects all Americans, suggesting not everyone has a fair chance of being awarded an Oscar.
"I think that California is an example of the incredible diversity of this country. That’s a strength. I think that when everyone’s story is told then that makes for better art,” he said when asked about the controversy, via ABC.
"It makes for better entertainment it makes everybody feel part of one American family, so I think as a whole the industry should do what every other industry should do which is to look for talent, provide opportunity to everybody.
"And I think the Oscar debate is really just an expression of this broader issue. Are we making sure that everybody is getting a fair shot?”
Meanwhile, Hilary Clinton also added her opinion while on the campaign trail, saying that changes to the Academy are “overdue” while highlighting that change is coming.
She told AOL: “Just think of the great films that not only display the diversity of America, but the diversity of the human experience. The Academy has to catch up with our reality.”
Catch up on all the latest on the Oscars, here.
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