President Obama weighs in on Oscars diversity row

 Addressing the controversy over the lack of diversity at this year's Oscars, President Barack Obama said it is part of a broader debate about everyone getting a fair chance.

For the second year in a row, actors of colour were left out of the Oscars nominations. Following criticism, the Academy decided to take steps to improve the situation.

"I think that California is an example of the incredible diversity of this country. That's a strength," Obama said in an interview with ABC7.

"I think that when everybody's story is told, then that makes for better art, it makes for better entertainment, it makes everybody feel part of one American family."
The President said everybody should get a fair chance.

"I think as a whole the industry should do what every other industry should do which is to look for talent, provide opportunity to everybody.

"I think the Oscar debate is really just an expression of this broader issue. Are we making sure that everybody is getting a fair shot?," he said.

Hillary Clinton also believes that diversity is "overdue".

"I think it is overdue... Just think of the great films that not only display the diversity of America, but the diversity of the human experience. The Academy has to catch up with our reality," she told Aol.com.