When the nominations were announced the hashtag #Oscarssowhite immediately began trending with the Academy being accused of ignoring non-white performers in the major categories, reported Fox news.
"At the Oscars... People of colour are always welcomed to give out awards... Even entertain," Pinkett-Smith tweeted.
"But we are rarely recognised for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of colour refrain from participating all together? People can only treat us in the way in which we allow. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment."
Jordan's "Creed" co-star Sylvester Stallone received a best supporting actor nod, which fuelled some people's belief that non-white actors were purposefully overlooked.