16 Filmakers and Directors Who Should Have Been Nominated for Oscars

Twitter erupted Thursday morning with criticism and commentary concerning the lack of people of color in the 2016 Oscar nominations, and with good reason. The Washington Post reports that “every year for the past half-decade, the average white American has bought a ticket to fewer films than the average black, Hispanic or Asian movie-goer”. With such diverse audiences, why aren’t diverse filmmakers and actors being recognized?

We compiled a list of people who should have, without a doubt, been nominated (and are Oscar winners in our hearts).

Best Director: Ryan Coogler, Creed

Best Director: F. Gary Gray, Straight Outta Compton

Best Actor: Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, Creed 

Best Actor: Will Smith, Concussion

Best Actor: John Boyega, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Actor: Samuel L Jackson, The Hateful Eight

Best Actress: Tessa Thompson, Creed

Best Actress: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Tangerine

Best Actress: Mya Taylor, Tangerine

Best Actress: Teyonah Parris, Chi-Raq 

Best Supporting Actor: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Straight Outta Compton

Best Supporting Actor: Oscar Isaac, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Supporting Actress: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Concussion

Best Supporting Actor: Jason Mitchell, Straight Outta Compton

Best Supporting Actor: Abraham Attah, Beasts of No Nation 

Tell us, who else would you like to see on this list?