The Oscars: Rocky times are coming

Amid the many commentaries bemoaning the snubs committed by the Motion Picture Academy with its just-released Oscar nominations, one major theme has emerged: the fact that the overall pool of nominees is overwhelmingly white.

Now, whether this is because of racism, because of poor marketing or because there just weren't enough quality minority performances to warrant an Oscar — I mean, really, did anyone think "Straight Outta Compton" was going to appeal to Academy members? — is up for debate. In fact, the answer might be found in a blend of the three (and even more) possible reasons mentioned above.

One of the best looks at the situation was printed in the New York Times. It's a three-way discussion between Manhola Dargis, A.O. Scott and Wesley Morris, and it is full of intelligent, sometimes passionate, observations about the contemporary film industry, the state of U.S. race relations, the politics of the 6,000-plus-member Academy, and the audience that today's movies play to.

And one thing is sure: With Chris Rock set as host, this coming Academy Awards show should be awfully fun to watch.