Racism and diversity has been the central theme of this awards season and we’ve watched scores of celebs come out about how they feel about the debacle. We can agree that there should be more representation in the film industry, but instead of begging to be “accepted,” we should just take matters into our own hands just as hip-hop pioneer, Russell Simmons has done! He founded the All Def Digital Network back in 2013 and will have their first awards ceremony this month!
The All Def Digital Awards will take place at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre on Feb. 24 and Tony Rock, brother to Oscars host, Chris Rock, will host the show! Russell Simmons founded the network back in 2013 and recently explained why he started ADD in the first place.
Variety:
“I don’t expect a 90-year-old Academy member to see ‘Straight Outta Compton’ or vote for it,” said Simmons, “I’m more concerned that in 2016 there continues to be a stunning lack of diversity in the studios, in the green light process, in the decisions of what films and television series get made, and what actors get chosen. This needs to be addressed institutionally. The All Def Movie Awards are not the Black Oscars, but they could be. This will be a fun, entertaining and hopefully thought provoking celebration of the uncelebrated.”
Films “Beasts of No Nation,” “Chi-Raq,” “Creed,” “Dope” and “Straight Outta Compton” are among the nominees for best picture. According to Variety, the remaining categories include best actor, best actress and best director as well as non-traditional categories like ‘best bad muh f–ka’, ‘best helpful white person’ and ‘best black survivor’ in a movie. Anyone can vote for who they want to win any of the aforementioned categories until midnight February 23rd. The winner of the ‘most quoted movie’ category will also be chosen by fans.
This sounds like something that is definitely needed to celebrate black people and our talents! Now, y’all know the Oscars will be held just four days later. Shade or nah? Either way, there better be some change come 2017!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on Instagram & @tallyohhh on Twitter!
Source: http://variety.com/2016/film/awards/all-def-digital-awards-show-russell-simmons-1201704211/
