Will Smith has praised the Academy for its "aggressive" response to the Oscars' lack of diversity
Will Smith
While the 'Concussion' actor is following in his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's footsteps by boycotting this year's ceremony over the controversy, Will admitted he was impressed that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pledged to double the amount of female and minority members by 2020.
He told BBC Breakfast: "I was very pleased at how quickly and aggressively the Academy responded. But I want to be very clear about the spirit of what I'm saying. This is far beyond me. This has nothing to do with me, this has nothing to do with awards. Awards, that's a really frivolous reason for me to put my hand up and make a statement. For me, this is much more about the idea of diversity and inclusion."
Will previously revealed that he was initially shocked by Jada's decision to boycott but added that her stance made him proud to be married to her.
He said: "I was out of the country at the time, and I came home [and said], 'What happened?' She's deeply passionate, and when she's moved, she has to go. I heard her words, and I was knocked over. I was happy to be married to that woman. I appreciated the push."
Tagged in Will Smith Jada Pinkett Smith