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Oscar nominations spark social media backlash over lack of diversity

Social media is buzzing about a major absence in this year's lineup -- diversity
Oscar nominees: "Overwhelmingly white, overwhelmingly old" 07:47

The announcement of this year's Oscar nominees took social media by storm on Thursday morning -- and among the surprises and snubs, people quickly took notice of a lack of diversity amongst this year's contenders.

Not a single person of color was nominated for an acting Oscar when the names were unveiled -- the first time that's happened since 1998 -- and "Selma" was snubbed in the directing and lead actor categories (though it did receive nods for original song and best picture).

Academy voters also selected an all-male lineup for this year's best director category, opting not to nominate Ava DuVernay for "Selma" (which would have made her the first black female director to receive a nomination in that category).

On Twitter, the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite caught fire as users shared their frustrations.

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When asked Thursday about this year's lineup of nominees, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science president Cheryl Boone Isaacs denied the organization has a problem recognizing diversity.

"Not at all. Not at all," Isaacs, the first African-American president of the academy, told Vulture. "The good news is that the wealth of talent is there, and it's being discussed, and it's helpful so much for talent -- whether in front of the camera or behind the camera -- to have this recognition, to have this period of time where there is a lot of publicity, a lot of chitter-chatter."

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