Ben Carson believes there are more important things to worry about than who’s nominated for an Oscar.
After several celebrities announced they would boycott the Academy Awards this year because no black actors were nominated for an award for the second year in a row, the Republican candidate said it really didn’t matter what Hollywood thinks.
“I’ve said often that diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths,” Carson said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter Tuesday. (RELATED: Kanye West Just Called This Republican Candidate ‘Brilliant’)
![U.S. Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks at the North Texas Presidential Forum hosted by the Faith & Freedom Coalition and Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas October 18, 2015. (REUTERS/Mike Stone)](https://dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2015-10-25T183424Z_1_LYNXNPEB9O0I6_RTROPTP_4_USA-ELECTION-REPUBLICANS-e1453239561949.jpg)
(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Stone)
“Americans from all walks of life have riveting and important stories to tell, and Hollywood could do a better job of honoring all of these stories, regardless of who tells them or the ideology they represent.”
“But at the end of the day, the American people have far more important concerns than a few Hollywood elites handing themselves awards,” he added. (RELATED: Jada Pinkett-Smith Is Boycotting The Oscars Because They’re Too White)
![(Photo: Reuters)](https://dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015-12-16T030650Z_1_LYNXMPEBBF04S_RTROPTP_4_USA-ELECTION-e1453239586601.jpg)
(Photo: Reuters)
“If we paid as much attention to growing the economy as we do to the extravagant, more than $30 million Oscar party the glitterati throw for themselves, we might have fewer families wondering how they’re going to make ends meet.”
“So I’m not terribly concerned about Hollywood’s image,” he continued.
“I’m worried about creating a more vibrant America to provide a better future for our children and grandchildren.” (RELATED: Here’s How Ben Carson Feels About Kanye Calling Him ‘Brilliant)