Denzel Washington – who has picked up various prizes and enjoyed a number of nominations throughout the years – says he has experienced the Oscars’ lack of diversity firsthand. Despite the event being historically unfair, however, the star insists people shouldn’t use this as an excuse to fight back unfairly as well.

When asked for his opinion about the Oscars not being diverse, he explained on 60 Minutes: “I don’t have to think about it, I’ve lived it.

I’ve been the guy at the Oscars without my name being called. I’ve been the guy at the Oscars when my name is called. I’ve been the guy at the Oscars when everybody thought they were going to call my name and they didn’t. So I’ve lived it.”

The ceremony has come under fire after only white stars have been selected in the acting categories in recent years. Despite this inequality, the 61-year-old actor says performers shouldn’t simply give it all up.

He explained: “Yeah, and so what? You going to give up? If you’re looking for an excuse, you’ll find one. … You can find it wherever you like. Can’t live like that. Just do the best you can do.”

Denzel’s opinion comes shortly after Will Smith vowed to keep boycotting the Academy Awards for a second year.

The actor and wife Jada Pinkett Smith joined many others who have protested against the lack of diversity witnessed in the event. Will recently hinted that he will still look the other way even if he receives a nomination.

He said: “You know what, there was a time in my life when box office was everything.

You know, if you didn’t get nominated you were under the bed for three weeks and all of that. It’s always fun to be invited to the party, but that’s all it can be.”