In addition, when examining past achievements on Oscar night there are wins and nominations, in which the film’s plots are not based on slavery or other times of African-American struggle. While films like Selma and 12 Years as a Slave did receive nominations, we must not forget that they are led and created by African-American people signaling our ability to create noteworthy productions.

But taking a look back into black Oscar history, Jamie Foxx delivered an outstanding performance in Ray netting him the Best Actor award while also nominated for best Supporting Actor as his role as Max in Collateral in the same year. Denzel Washington raked in the Best Actor Award for his role as crooked cop Alonzo, Best Supporting Actor as Private Trip in Glory and later nominated for his role as the commonly inebriated pilot Whip Whitaker in Flight. Halle Berry won Best Actress as a struggle mother in a mixed race relationship in Monster’s Ball. Cuba Gooding Jr. took home Best Supporting Actor for his work in Jerry Maguire, Supporting victories also went to Morgan Freeman, Monique and Jennifer Hudson for their roles in Million Dollar Baby, Precious and Dreamgirls, respectively. And let’s not forget we had Three Six Mafia on stage for a trophy and performance.

As far as nominations, Terrence Howard was nominated for Best Actor for his role as DJay, the drug dealing pimp working to be a rapper, in Hustle & Flow. His co-star, Taraji P. Henson, was nominated for her work in Benjamin Button, Will Smith for both Ali and the Pursuit of Happyness, along with Samuel L. Jackson, Eddie Murphy, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey and more. All African-American, all diverse roles, all achievements that received recognition.

Criticism of the Academy Awards for what is perceived as a lack of diversity isn’t accurate, nor is it fair to those who work hard, regardless of the races, to display quality performances.