Rev. Al Sharpton, Activists Protest All-White Slate Of Oscar Nominees

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Activists protested in Hollywood Sunday against the all-white slate of Oscar nominees, calling for more diversity in the entertainment industry.

At 2 p.m., Rev. Al Sharpton joined demonstrators from a variety of civil rights organizations outside Hollywood High School, located on Highland Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.

The group took a unified stance "for diversity, inclusion and justice in Hollywood" and encouraged people to "tune out the Oscars."

In 2015, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences came under fire after all of the nominees turned out to be white for the second year in a row.

The critically acclaimed film "Straight Outta Compton" only received nods for its screenwriters who are white.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith, whose husband Will Smith was overlooked for an Oscar for his role in "Concussion," announced her plans to boycott the awards ceremony through social media.

Director Spike Lee also lashed out at the Academy for the all-white nominations.

In response to the heated controversy, president Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced a series of changes in late January to the Academy's voting and membership procedures.

The Academy now aims to double its female and "diverse" membership by 2020.

New rules regarding voting procedures will allow each new member's voting status to last 10 years. The new rules will be applied retroactively to current members.

Sharpton's National Action Network will stage protests in cities across the country including Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland, New York and Washington, D.C.

Chris Rock will host the 88th annual Academy Awards tonight. The awards ceremony will be broadcasted live from the Dolby Theatre at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST.

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