Racism at the Oscars?

The 88th Academy Awards Ceremony takes place tonight, slightly marred by a row over a lack of black nominees. Spike Lee is one film maker who’s boycotting the ceremony, accusing the Academy of racism. So are these accusations justified? Personally, I don’t think so. Once you let someone’s race have any bearing on whether or not they’re nominated for an Oscar, then you really are guilty of discrimination. And now any black nominees next year, no matter how brilliant, will have to contend with whispers that they were only nominated because of the colour of their skin. All that should ever matter is talent. Nobody complained that not enough white artists had hits with Motown. Maybe because this is what happened when they did.