By: Ashton Newton
Staff Writer

Each year, all kinds of movies are watched and talked about, but there is no bigger honor in cinema than winning an Oscar.

On Feb. 28, actors, directors, editors, and all manner of moviemakers from all over the world will come together in red carpet fashion for the 88th annual Academy Awards.

Still weeks away, The Oscars have been huge in the news with speculations and controversies, as well as the annual Internet memes about Leonardo Dicaprio wanting nothing but to win an Oscar.

This year, the nominees for best picture are “Spotlight,” “The Martian,” “The Big Short,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Room,” “The Revenant,” and “Brooklyn.” Each of these movies, in its own way, brought something new and unique to theaters.

Last year, best picture went to Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “Birdman,” which also won three other awards. Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” took home four awards.

All the actors nominated for Best Actor are pretty big names. The list includes Eddie Redmayne (“The Danish Girl”), Michael Fassbender (“Steve Jobs”), Bryan Cranston (“Trumbo”), Matt Damon (“The Martian”), and Leonardo Dicaprio (“The Revenant”).

As for Best Actress, the list includes Brie Larson (“The Room”), Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years”), Cate Blanchett (“Carol”), Saoirse Ronan (“Brooklyn”), and Jennifer Lawrence (“Joy”).

The controversies started when the managing editor of BroadwayBlack.com, April Reign, pointed out that for the second year in a row, all 20 nominated main and supporting actors and actresses were white. She took to Twitter, getting the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite trending.

Some individuals like Spike Lee, Will Smith, and Michael Moore have taken to boycotting 2016’s Oscars for the lack of diversity, while others like George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, and Don Cheadle have been outspoken with their negative views toward the lack of diversity. Even President Obama has commented on the controversy, supporting the outcry.

Those who have attempted to downplay the controversy received a lot of criticism, including Charlotte Rampling and Michael Caine.

Although people have urged him to boycott, Chris Rock will still be hosting the Oscars. Rock has said that he is preparing a sketch that shines light on the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. There is also a large line up of African American presenters, including Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart, and Kerry Washington.

The Academy also unanimously voted to double female and minority voters by the year 2020. This will change the current makeup which is 90% Caucasian and 77% male.

Controversies aside, there are some incredible films nominated this year, a ton of big name stars, and Chris Rock’s jokes. The 2016 Oscars are shaping up to be highly memorable.

The Oscars will be held on Feb. 28 in Hollywood, California, but you can view it from the comfort of your own home on ABC at 4 p.m.