Oscars Head Isaacs Calls For More Variety After Row

Head of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts says she would like to see more diversity in Oscar nominations, after a row about this year's nominees.

All 20 contenders in the foremost acting categories are white and there are no female nominees in the directing or writing categories.

The Academy, which picks the candidates, has faced strong criticism.

But Cheryl Boone Isaacs alleged she was satisfied of the nominees and that the body was 'making strides' towards diversity.

Ms Boone Isaacs, who is the 1st African-American president of the Academy, told AP the organisation is "committed to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion''.

"In the previous 2 years, we have made greater strides than we ever have in the past toward becoming a more diverse and inclusiveorganization through admitting new members and more inclusive classes of members,'' she said.

She added she would "love to see" greater diversity among the nominees.

'Selma' snub

After the nominations were publicized, people mocked the make-up of the awards using the "OscarsSoWhite" hashtag.

There has been abundant emphasis on Martin Luther King biopic Selma, with director Ava DuVernay and star David Oyelowo both missing out.

At the Critics' Choice prize, additional Selma actor, Wendell Pierce, said there would be "amazement" Oyelowo was not nominated once people saw the film.

But Ms Boone Isaacs said approval for Selma was reflected in its Best Picture nomination, which is chosen by all the academy members.

She said that although the Academy sustained make efforts to become more diverse, the wider industry needed to do the same.

"We hope the film industry will also make strides toward becoming more diverse and inclusive.''

Separate branches of the Academy choose the nominations, with actors choosing the acting categories, for example.

The further than 7000 memberships then vote for a winner.

Birdman & The Grand Budapest Hotel top the race for thisyear's Oscars with nine nominations each.