Many have expressed their disappointment about the lack of diversity among the nominees of the 88th Academy Awards. One of the actors some believe should have been nominated is Japanese film actress Rinko Kikiuchi, who was said to have shown a powerful performance in David Zellner's 2014 American drama film "Kumiko the Treasure Hunter."
Kikuchi is known for the 2013 film "Pacific Rim," in which she starred with Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Charlie Hunnam, Diego Klattenhoff, Robert Kazinsky and Ron Perlman, among others. The Japanese actress also played a witch in "47 Ronin" in 2013.
In "Kumiko the Treasure Hunter," Kikuchi plays the title role, who is about a jaded woman from Japan who discovers a hidden copy of "Fargo." The character is then led to believe that the copy is a treasure map to a location containing a huge sum of money.
In an exclusive interview with Coming Soon, Kikuchi said she drew inspiration for her character mainly from the script and her imagination. The actress also said she focused not just on the actual story but the fact that there was a story that triggered the script.
After "Kumiko the Treasure Hunter," Kikuchi will star in "Terra Formars," which is set to be released on April 29 in Japan. Among her co-stars are Kane Kosugi, Emi Takei, Takayuki Yamada, Tomohisa Yamashita and Rila Fukushima, who is known for playing Tatsu Yamashiro in the TV series "Arrow."
Apparently, no actors or actress from any minority group were nominated in any of the four acting categories of the 2016 Academy Awards. No women of color made the Best Director race either.
While being cautious of her actions, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs was reportedly disappointed about the lack of diversity among the nominees. She told Deadline that the Academy's very public efforts at diversity are moving too slow.
On Jan. 16, Saturday, actress Jada Pinkett Smith took to Twitter to share her judgments on the lack of diversity among the Oscar nominations. Her husband Will Smith, who was one of the performers snubbed in the acting categories.
According to Mrs. Smith, black performers are rarely recognized for their artistic accomplishments. In a series of tweets, she expressed her disappointment on the lack of nonwhite contenders.
The 88th Academy Awards will air on Feb 28. Actor Chris Rock will serve as the event's host.