Black awards show to air opposite Oscars

Ricky Soltero

Offering an alternative to the so called “whiteness” of the Academy Awards is the All Def Movie Awards, airing opposite the Oscars on Sunday.

Hosted by Tony Rock, the All Def Movie Awards were created by All Def Digital’s Russell Simmons in response to the lack of diversity in the Academy Awards nominations and Hollywood overall. According to the official site, the alternate show was created to celebrate diversity in motion pictures. Rock is the brother of Chris Rock, who will be hosting the Oscars.

Controversy has dogged the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences because of the omission of actors of color in this year’s award nominations, a continuation of a historical pattern.

What the All Def Movie Awards has dubbed the Celebration for the Uncelebrated will feature awards for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director but will also include categories such as Most Helpful White Person and Best Black Survivor.

The Fusion cable network will air the All Def Movie Awards starting at 4 p.m. PST, and the show will be streamed on Fusion.net.