Will Smith to boycott 2016 Oscars

Smith joins his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, in deciding to not attend next month's ceremony.

Will Smith has announced that he will be joining his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, in boycotting next month’s Oscar award ceremony.

Pinkett Smith previously confirmed in a Facebook post earlier this week that she would not be attending the Academy Awards show.

Speaking on Good Morning America, her husband said: “[Jada and I] have discussed it, and we’re part of this community but at this current time, we’re uncomfortable to stand there and say that this is okay.”

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Smith went on to say that the Oscars were a poor representation of Hollywood. “I think I have to fight for and protect the ideals that make our country and make our Hollywood community great. So when I look at the series of nominations of the Academy, it’s not reflecting that beauty.”

The actor, who starred in last year’s Concussion, was not nominated for any awards. There were no actors or actresses of colour nominated across any of the acting categories this year.

Smith said that his and Jada’s boycott goes beyond his personal snub.

“There’s probably a part of that in there but, for Jada, had I been nominated and no other people of colour were, she would have made the video anyway,” he said on the programme. “We’d still be here having this conversation. This is so deeply not about me.”

Director Spike Lee has also confirmed that will not be attending this year’s ceremony.

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