LATEST OSCARS 2016 NEWS, NOMINATIONS AND RED CARPET PICTURES

'No openly gay man has ever won the Oscar': Sir Ian McKellen wades into the Academy Awards' diversity debate

Actor Ian McKellen says there is not enough ethnic minority or gay or lesbian representation in Hollywood ©Joshua Blanchard (Getty/AFP)

26/01/16 01:13

Will Smith and his wife Jada are boycotting this year's Oscar in protest over the lack of diversity among nominees and now Ian McKellen has waded into the debate. Talking to the Guardian, the acclaimed star, 76, said that the issue is a wider one than just race as he claimed that homophobia is as much of an issue among Academy voters. The twice nominated star told the publication: 'No openly gay man has ever won the Oscar; I wonder if that is prejudice or chance.' ...read

Julie Delpy apologizes for saying African Americans have it easier than women in Hollywood because 'people don't bash them' during Oscar diversity discussion

25/01/16 22:59

Julie Delpy is the latest actor to issue a statement apologizing for her response to a question about the lack of diversity at this year's Academy Awards.

'The entire country is a racist country': Danny DeVito says Oscars' race row 'illuminates' discrimination problems while Don Cheadle says we must get to the 'root cause'

25/01/16 09:04

Actor Danny DeVito is the latest to weigh in on the Oscar's row, saying that Americans 'are a bunch of racists.' He and Don Cheadle were interviewed at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

'She has dug in her heels': Adele 'snubs offer of presenting at star-studded Oscars as ceremony clashes with her world tour'

24/01/16 16:44

For one of the world's biggest selling artists, Adele certainly doesn't have time for airs and graces.

'A lot of people are crying, I guess': Clint Eastwood blasts Oscar race row boycott as Charlotte Rampling defends her comments calling the backlash 'anti-white'

24/01/16 16:21

'All I know is there's thousands of people in the Academy and a lot of them, the majority of them, haven't got Oscars,' said four-time winner Eastwood, 85. 'A lot of people trying, I guess.'

'All the white guys!': SNL parodies the Oscar's lack of diversity with mock award show that nominated all white actors with bit parts in primarily black films

24/01/16 13:41

SNL this week a poked fun at the fact that there are no black actors nominated for any Oscars this year in a fake award show called the Screen Guild Awards.

Terrifying grizzly bear? More like a 'big smurf' claims the stuntman that mauled Leonardo DiCaprio in Oscar nominated epic the Revenant

24/01/16 13:37

DiCaprio has been tipped to pick up his first Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony in LA next month. But what about the man who played opposite him in the film's most iconic scene?

SARAH OLIVER: Wondering how to beat Oscars racism? Ask a bunch of old women

24/01/16 02:22

Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of Will Smith, has announced they will boycott next month's Oscars because not a single black actor has been shortlisted for an award, SARAH OLIVER writes.

'I sometimes wish I were African American because people don’t bash them afterward': Julie Delpy weighs in on Oscar diversity issue saying it is harder being a woman in Hollywood

23/01/16 15:50

Julie Delpy is the latest actor to comment on the lack of diversity among this year's Oscar nominees saying that in her opinion it is still harder to be a woman in the film industry than African American.

Oscars cave in: Academy announces mass overhauls to membership and voting rules to promote diversity after boycott threat over lack of black nominations

23/01/16 13:41

The film academy is pledging to double the number of female and minority members by 2020, and will diversify its leadership, Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced Friday.

'Outrageous, ignorant and offensive': Chelsea Clinton slams Charlotte Rampling for dismissing Oscar race row as 'anti-white' as the Best Actress nominee claims her comments were 'misinterpreted'

23/01/16 04:18

Chelsea Clinton launched a scathing attack on actress Charlotte Rampling on Friday in anger over her comments about the Oscars race row, comments she later said were 'misinterpreted.'

'These filmmakers deserve recognition': Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon joins attack on 'white' Oscars

22/01/16 19:13

Taking to Facebook on Thursday the star, 39, posted a comment saying: 'So disappointed that some of 2015's best films, filmmakers and performances were not recognized.'

EXCLUSIVE: Academy member William H. Macy says Oscars DO have a diversity problem because award panel is 'mostly a bunch of white guys'

22/01/16 17:26

Oscar nominee William H Macy addressed the absence of non-white acting nominees at this year's Academy Awards on Thursday night saying the problem is the lack of diversity in the Academy.

'We have serious issues': Jada Pinkett Smith jets into New Orleans and addresses problems facing African Americans...as husband Will Smith joins Oscars boycott

22/01/16 15:00

Jetting into New Orleans airport on Tuesday the actress continued to discuss her thoughts on the state of the US as well as her decision to not attend the Academy Awards this year.

Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo says he WILL attend the Oscars 'in support of the victims of clergy Sexual Abuse' after claiming he too may boycott over the lack of diversity

22/01/16 13:42

Ruffalo, who is nominated for Spotlight, tweeted that he will be at the Oscars 'in support of the victims of clergy sexual abuse and good journalism,' but that he did support those not attending in protest..

Will Smith joins Oscars boycott: Actor backs wife Jada's attack on diversity and says he'll be skipping ceremony too

21/01/16 23:48

The 47-year-old actor sat down with ABC’s Robin Roberts to share his thoughts on this year’s overwhelmingly white Oscar nominations, and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s call to action.

'You ain't Barack and Michelle Obama. Ya'll need to get over yourselves: Fresh Prince of Bel Air actress hits out at Will and Jada Pinkett Smith over Oscar boycott

21/01/16 19:38

Actress Janet Hubert, 60, unleashed a 4-minute videotaped rant accusing Pinkett Smith of being a hypocrite and placing the careers of other black actors in jeopardy with her calls for a boycott.

REVEALED: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors has just TWO non-whites among its 51 elected members

21/01/16 14:20

There are 51 members of the ruling board of the Academy, and only two are non-white - president Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Daryn Okada.

'Clueless' actress Stacey Dash calls for end to Black History month and for BET to go off the air while slamming Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith over Oscars boycott

21/01/16 14:16

Stacey Dash criticized those who have come out against the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over the complete absence of non-white acting nominees and called for the end of BET.

'It's self-contrived because her hubby didn't get a nomination': Fresh Prince of Bel Air actress Janet Hubert goes after Jada Pinkett Smith AGAIN over Oscar boycott

21/01/16 14:09

Fresh Prince of Bel Air actress Janet Hubert is going after Jada Pinkett Smith again for her boycott of the Academy Awards, saying; 'It’s self-contrived because her hubby didn’t get a nomination.'

Oh, do stop whingeing about the Oscars being too white! As Hollywood snubs black actors, our star columnist BAZ BAMIGBOYE says: Sorry, most aren't good enough this year

21/01/16 13:30

I share some of the angst of those concerned about the 'lily white' awards, to be held in Los Angeles, but I don’t feel heartbroken about this year’s nominations, writes BAZ BAMIGBOYE.

KATIE HOPKINS: You don't get an Oscar for the color of your skin, you get it for acting out of it

21/01/16 12:28

KATIE HOPKINS: Will Smith wasn't nominated because he wasn't good enough. But the Oscars don't have a special category for 'best black actor giving a mediocre performance.

'I'm going to a Knicks game': Academy Award-winner Spike Lee says he'd rather watch basketball than go to the 'so white' Oscars as he calls for QUOTAS to boost minorities in Hollywood

21/01/16 01:30

Do the Right Thing director Spike Lee has revealed he is is planning to go to a New York Knicks game on February 28, instead of traveling to the Oscars in protest at the awards' lack of diversity.

'It's going to be Leo's year': Kate Winslet tips Titanic co-star and best pal DiCaprio for Oscar win after missing out on an Academy Award FOUR times

20/01/16 16:09

She's watched Leo walk away from the Oscars emptied handed year-after-year. But on Sunday Kate Winslet forecast that Leonardo DiCaprio's luck is likely to change at next month's ceremony.

Fashion forward Cate Blanchett sports navy dungarees and chunky loafers to fly into Tokyo after Oscar nomination

20/01/16 15:37

The 46-year-old dressed in some navy dungarees and chunky loafers to jet into Japan, carrying a large black cardigan in one arm.

Lupita Nyong'o criticizes Academy Award voters for 'unconscious prejudice' as the Oscar-winning actress becomes latest star to comment on the group's diversity issues

20/01/16 14:17

Lupita Nyong'o is the latest star to address the complete lack of diversity among this year's acting nominees for the Academy Award calling pout the voting group for 'unconscious prejudice.'

Jada Pinkett Smith thanks Academy and president Cheryl Boone Isaacs after they announce plan to bring more diversity to the awards following her Oscar boycott

20/01/16 14:10

Jada Pinkett Smith is thanking the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just one day after she announced she would be boycotting their annual awards show, the Oscars.

Leonardo DiCaprio brushes aside Rihanna romance rumours as he accepts award for climate change work in Switzerland

19/01/16 23:54

The 41-year-old was delighted to be honoured with a Crystal Award at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, in Davos, Switzerland.

'We're moving in the wrong direction': George Clooney says minorities were better represented at the Oscars 10 years ago

19/01/16 23:44

The 54-year-old Hollywood veteran said: 'I think that African Americans have a real fair point that the industry isn't representing them well enough. I think that's absolutely true'

'It's live... do some serious damage:' Ricky Gervais offers advice to Chris Rock as Oscars host comes under pressure amid Academy Awards boycott

19/01/16 23:07

Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais has offered some advice to Oscars host Chris Rock, who is under pressure amid a boycott over the nominees' lack of diversity.

'I made a mistake to comment': Linda Perry apologizes after claiming Lady Gaga didn't deserve Oscars nod for song

19/01/16 19:51

The 50-year-old took to Twitter to apologize on Monday just hours after she claimed that Gaga didn't pen the lyrics to the nominated track, Til It Happens To You.

'It needs to be solved': David Oyelowo brands the Academy's lack of racial diversity 'unforgivable'... after Jada Pinkett Smith says she'll be boycotting the Oscars

19/01/16 19:21

The British actor expressed his disappointment at the Academy's decision not to celebrate black actors during his speech at a gala honoring Academy president Boone Isaacs.

Oscar-tipped Leonardo DiCaprio cuts a dapper figure as he attends The Revenant premiere in Paris

19/01/16 09:02

He is on course for Academy Award glory. So, keen to maintain the momentum, Leonardo Dicaprio was out in force as he promoted his new movie, The Revenant, in Paris, this week.

Oscar host Chris Rock facing increased pressure in wake of celebrity boycott as Academy President announces 'dramatic steps' to alter makeup of membership

19/01/16 08:24

Chris Rock is reportedly under pressure to quit his job as host of the Academy Awards in response to the lack of diversity among this year's nominees in the wake of recent boycotts of the ceremony.

'She only rewrote one line': Linda Perry hits out at Lady Gaga's Best Original Song Oscar nod as she claims star didn't pen the lyrics

19/01/16 08:11

The musician believes 29-year-old Gaga only wrote one line of her hit, Til It Happens To You and in fact, songwriter Diane Warren should be given merit.

Honorary Oscar winner Spike Lee is boycotting the ceremony due to overwhelmingly white nominations

18/01/16 21:27

The 58-year-old filmmaker - who received his Academy Award on November 15 - quoted Martin Luther King Jr. in his statement calling for more diversity

'It is our responsibility to make the change': Jada Pinkett Smith reveals she's boycotting Oscars...after series of Tweets questioning lack of nominations for 'people of color'

18/01/16 19:39

The star posted a video on Monday - Martin Luther King Day in the U.S, voicing her thoughts on the lack of diversity in this years nominations at the Academy Awards.

Jada Pinkett Smith hints at boycotting Academy Awards for lack of diversity after host Chris Rock calls the Oscars the 'white BET Awards'

18/01/16 08:21

On Saturday the 44-year-old actress took to Twitter to express her concerns. 'People of color...are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments,' said the Gotham star.

'It's beyond your control': Leonardo DiCaprio joins Andrew Marr as he reflects on the Oscar buzz surrounding his most 'difficult' movie The Revenant

17/01/16 19:52

The Hollywood star made an appearance on the Andrew Marr Show on Sunday morning where he reflected on the prospect of claiming his first Oscar.

'It's a party I didn't expect to be invited to': Mad Max director George Miller gushes over Oscars nominations sweep... as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shares her excitement

16/01/16 17:06

Miller and his film editor wife, Margaret Sixel, were at home in Sydney when they received the news on Friday at around 1am.

Ladies' man Leonardo DiCaprio pecks a female fan on the cheek after receiving a love note in Rome... as it's claimed he 'partied with a bevvy of blondes in London'

16/01/16 15:33

He's been tipped to win his first Oscar for his role in The Revenant. But Leonardo DiCaprio chose a rather subdued way to celebrate the news with his family, stepping out for a quiet dinner in Rome.

'The White BET Awards!' Host Chris Rock jokes about the Oscars' lack of diversity as he reveals new teaser for the ceremony

16/01/16 13:34

There may be over a month to go, but this comedian clearly plans to take a big bite out of the hand that feeds him.

Newly-single Leonardo DiCaprio leaves London nightclub with gorgeous busty brunette as he celebrates Oscars nod at three party spots

16/01/16 00:48

Handsome actor Leo included an incredible-looking mystery brunette in his entourage as he party-hopped around London on Thursday following the premiere of his hotly-tipped film The Revenant.

Ricky Gervais calls out Academy Awards for all-'white nominees'... as other industry insiders react to lack of diversity

16/01/16 00:19

Many are deeply concerned a year after host Neil Patrick Harris quipped that the Oscars were honoring Hollywood's "best and whitest"

Do you think we'll win, Tom? Leonardo DiCaprio and co-star Tom Hardy joke on The Revenant red carpet hours after they were both nominated for Oscars

15/01/16 20:42

Oscar-nominated duo Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy led the way as The Revenant had its UK première at the Empire Theatre in Leicester Square, London, on Thursday night.

Is this Leo's year? The Revenant leads the way with 12 nominations as the Oscar 2016 contenders are revealed... but every acting nod is white and all five directors in the running are male

15/01/16 18:25

The nominations for the 88th Academy Awards were revealed on Thursday morning in Los Angeles.

Leonardo Di Caprio smoulders on the cover of GQ Australia as he is tipped for Oscar success in The Revenant

15/01/16 17:10

Appearing on the cover of GQ Australia this month, the actor is every inch the leading man in a sharp grey suit and white shirt.

'I'm not surprised': Ice Cube takes Oscars snub in stride and reveals he's happy with the film's epic success regardless

15/01/16 15:34

There were high Oscar expectations for Straight Outta Compton, the film that portrayed the rise of legendary rap group N.W.A. But apparently it was not to be, as it was revealed on Thursday that

Charlotte, 69, lands her first Oscar nomination: She leads huge British charge for awards as Kate Winslet, Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hardy all get nods

15/01/16 15:31

Charlotte Rampling has finally been honoured with an Oscar nomination after five decades in showbusiness. She received the nod for Best Actress for her role in film '45 Years'.

Glorious but grisly: It's a bear who deserves the Oscar in Leo's gory epic The Revenant, writes BRIAN VINER

15/01/16 15:28

The Revenant is almost as gruelling to watch as by all accounts it was to make, but by heavens, it’s worth the discomfort, says Brian Viner. While Room is a terrific thriller, with exceptional performances.

Star Wars v Tarantino: You've seen the films - now find out who wins the battle of the soundtracks

15/01/16 15:15

With the awards season in full swing, it’s a good time to explore film soundtracks, from dramatic scores to albums packed with classic hits. The Mail’s Music Critic Adrian Thrills picks his favourites.

Celebrities react to Oscar nominations: Brie Larson exclaims 'holy sh**' while Jennifer Lawrence says she's 'humbled'

15/01/16 08:27

Brie Larson was shocked upon seeing her name listed among the Best Actress Oscar nominees, which included Jennifer Lawrence and Cate Blanchett.

Aussies snare impressive number of Oscar nods as Mad Max: Fury Road receives a whopping 10 nominations and Cate Blanchett is put up for Best Actress

15/01/16 06:36

Mad Max: Fury Road received an impressive 10 nominations at the 88th Academy Awards.

'We are all shocked': The Martian team brand Sir Ridley Scott's Oscar snub 'very upsetting'... while Tarantino and Spielberg are also overlooked

15/01/16 00:44

Quentin Tarantino was one of the big names snubbed when the contenders for the prestigious 88th Academy Awards were revealed on Thursday morning in Los Angeles.

From music to the movies: Lady Gaga and Sam Smith receive first Oscar nominations as they compete for Best Original Song

14/01/16 23:21

The 29-year-old American Horror Story star and the British crooner, 23, will battle it out with their smash hits Til It Happens To You and Writing's On The Wall respectively

Back from the '80s! Fast Times At Ridgemont High vet Jennifer Jason Leigh, 53, makes stunning return with Oscar nod for Hateful Eight

14/01/16 20:17

She co-starred with Phoebe Cates and Sean Penn in the massive 1982 hit Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Then Leigh went on to become one of the most respected actresses of the 1990s.

'I've done everything I can possibly do': Leonardo DiCaprio says an Oscar for The Revenant would be 'the icing on the cake' after being overlooked FIVE TIMES

14/01/16 19:59

The 41-year-old superstar spoke on This Morning about his bid for Oscar success and admitted the prize would be 'the icing on the cake' after missing out on the coveted award five times

Cate Blanchett earns her sixth Oscars nod while Kate Winslet chalks up number seven in battle to be the next Meryl Streep

14/01/16 19:02

The British star was nominated for her supporting role in the biopic Steve Jobs. The Australian star was nominated for her leading role in the period lesbian drama Carol.

The new power couple? Lovebirds Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander are BOTH nominated for Academy Awards after getting nods at Golden Globes

14/01/16 18:01

This comes after the two were both acknowledged with nods at Sunday's Golden Globe Awards, where they were seen holding hands at the CAA after party outside the Sunset Tower Hotel.

Now that's some comeback punch! Creed star Sylvester Stallone, 69, is nominated for his first Academy Award since 1977 when he got a nod for Rocky

14/01/16 17:18

Stallone is back in the Oscar glow as on Thursday the star was given a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his work in Creed. This comes on the heels of the 69-year-old vet's Globe win.

The Revenant really IS terrifying: Sensors worn by cinema goers reveal the 'emotional rollercoaster' of DiCaprio's latest movie

14/01/16 16:24

Fox Studios partnered with Lightwave to learn what viewers really thought of The Revenant. 100 moviegoers were strapped with medical-grade device to monitor heartbeat, temperature and more.

Flying the flag for the Brits: Kate Winslet, Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hardy among the British talent to receive Oscar nods

14/01/16 16:01

The nominations for the 88th Academy Awards were revealed on Thursday morning in Los Angeles, revealing a host of British talent have been nominated across five major categories.

'We all dream in gold': New Academy Awards promos featuring host Chris Rock unveiled ahead of Thursday's nominations announcement

13/01/16 10:47

In addition to a poster showing Rock in a tuxedo and holding an Oscar, other posters show past winners such as Meryl Streep, George Clooney and Ben Affleck clutching their awards.

An Oscar at last for Rampling? Star could be set for honour after being named best actress by American film critics at their annual awards

05/01/16 00:53

The actress, 69, could finally be on course to claim an Academy Award for her part in British film 45 Years. Her performance as a conflicted wife has already earned her eight gongs.

'It ends with drunk, disappointed people': Chris Rock compares the Oscars to New Year's Eve in his first promo for Hollywood's biggest night of the year

04/01/16 15:40

'Much like New Year’s Eve, it will be a night that ends with a lot of drunk, disappointed people swearing they’ll do better next year,' the tuxedo-wearing comedian, 50, deadpans in the video.

Hollywood plagued by fears of ANOTHER all-white line-up at this year's Oscars

04/01/16 09:01

The Academy was slammed in 2015 after failing to nominate any ethnic minorities in any of the 20 categories - despite a number of possible candidates such as David Oyelowo in Selma.

Silver fox Harrison Ford spends some of his '$20M Star Wars paycheck' at the Brentwood Country Mart

24/12/15 15:38

The Oscar nominee easily defied his 73 years as he strutted past traffic in a grey button-up shirt tucked into belted blue jeans

'I get stopped occasionally, but I still go on the tube:' Eddie Redmayne says life hasn't changed since his Oscar win

07/10/15 23:57

He's one of the biggest acting stars in Britain but Eddie Redmayne insists that his life hasn't changed much since he picked up an Academy Award for Best Actor in February.

Joan Rivers remembered at Emmys 2015 after being left out of Oscars In Memoriam tribute

21/09/15 20:35

Rivers, who died a year ago, was featured in an extended clip during the slideshow of actors, writers, directors, producers and composers who have passed away since the 2014 Emmys.

SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE: And the Oscar for wine snobbery goes to Emma Thompson

11/08/15 02:08

The 56-year-old actress extols expensive vintages in a foreword to a new book, exploring & Tasting Wine, by Berry Bros & Rudd, writes SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley oozes elegance in emerald sequin gown as she keeps close to boyfriend Jason Statham at Vanity Fair's Oscars party

07/08/15 12:47

Making an entrance: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made a stunning entrance at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party with Hollywood boyfriend Jason Statham, on Sunday.

'Way to slay!': Anne Hathaway offers classy response to Amy Schumer after being made fun of in Trainwreck

22/07/15 00:30

In the film, Schumer tells co-star Bill Hader he's acting 'like Anne Hathaway on Oscar night' and the actress decided to respond publicly after seeing the film at her local movie theatre.

Glowing Julianne Moore looks gorgeous in plunging gown as she is honored at Alzheimer's gala for her Oscar-winning role in Still Alice

09/06/15 10:03

The 54-year-old actress wore a simple little black dress as she attended the New York City Chapter Forget-Me-Not fundraiser, which recognised her for raising awareness of the tragic illness.

Netflix ups the ante in Hollywood with its acquisition of Brad Pitt's new movie War Machine... as the streaming service shoots for Oscar glory

09/06/15 01:13

Brad, who will play a 'rock star' general in the film, said he's 'excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment by Netflix to produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience.'

Katrina stuns the crowds at Cannes film festival as she joins Oscar winner Julianne Moore on the red carpet

15/05/15 01:19

Sporting auburn hair, which she is lately wearing for her role in Abhishek Kapoor’s Fitoor, Katrina turned out in a sheer strapless gown styled by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.

'My Oscar is a false idol': Natalie Portman reveals she doesn't worship her Academy Award for Black Swan (and actually has no clue where it is)

07/05/15 10:28

The actress tells The Hollywood Reporter that she doesn't keep the Oscar she won for Black Swan on display because it would be like 'worshiping a false idol.' She also talks about directing a film.

140mph Aston Martin bought by Peter Ustinov after he won Oscar is set to go under the hammer for £1million

27/04/15 18:11

The actor bought the Aston Martin DB4 Cabriolet in 1962, shortly after winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Spartacus.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (and Woody Allen): Catalan Capital to open museum dedicated to Oscar-winning director

17/04/15 15:47

The tribute will be dedicated to the director, who picked Barcelona for the setting of his Oscar winning, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It is hoped to open at former arts and crafts school, La Llotja.

Hollywood PR claimed Oscar judges didn't want to give 12 Years A Slave Best Picture Award because it wasn't patriotic enough

17/04/15 09:29

According to hacked Sony emails, Peggy Siegal said that the voting panel objected to having a British director paint their country in a bad light. The film went on to win the award in 2014.