Singer-actress Zendaya is thrilled that this year's Oscar nominations have prompted a discussion about race in Hollywood, insisting it's a step in the right direction.
The 19-year-old star has been involved in her fair share of headlines, including when Giuliana Rancic said the dreadlocked hairdo she sported for the Academy Awards in 2015 made her look like she smelled of "weed and patchouli oil".
Speaking about this year's debate, surrounding the lack of diversity among the nominees for the ceremony next month, Zendaya said she is thrilled it has become such a hot topic, reported Celebuzz.
"I think it's action. It's all action. It's about not being afraid of having this conversation and to speak up. I'm glad people are talking about it. I'm glad that it's being spoken about. That's why we have these conversations - so we can grow and get better," she said.
Zendaya, who has a black father and a white mother, also revealed her tips for tackling racism in Hollywood.
"Do not take no for an answer. There's this line in Scandal where Papa Pope (played by Joe Morton) tells Olivia (Kerry Washington) that you have to work that many times harder than anyone else. It's just the truth. You can't take no for an answer. You've got to keep breaking down those doors because you never know where it's going to lead.
