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Black Twitter has been buzzing about its disappointment with the lack of diversity that has yet again turned up in this year’s Oscar nominations. This is now the second year in a row that the academy has failed to put an actor of color as a candidate for an award.

However, Mo’Nique, the comedian/actress who snagged the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2010, had plenty to say about why the Academy’s failure to nominate actors of color isn’t nearly as important as everyone thinks.

MUST READ: Ice Cube Responds To ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Being Snubbed By The Oscars

In a July 2014 interview on “Sway In The Morning,” Mo’Nique explained that winning the award for her infamous role in 2009’s Precious at a predominantly White institution was less important to her than being celebrated within the Black community:

“That experience was amazing and I always understand why people say ‘Academy Award-winning’ because it’s conditioning and we believe that that Academy Award is the be all, end all.

“To me, it wasn’t the Oscar. For me, it was the Image Award because as a little girl who watched the Oscars, I didn’t see people who looked like me. So my dream never was getting an Oscar. But when I watched the Image Awards and I saw those women that looked like me getting called up on that stage, I said: ‘one day, baby, they gone call my name for that award.’ It was that award that made me feel like dreams do come true.”

Mo’Nique later stressed that she highly appreciates the recognition she gained at the Oscars. Still, she said that African Americans can’t continue to devalue historically Black honors like the NAACP Image Awards by holding it in less esteem than other award shows.

Watch this dope interview in its entirety here.

RELATED LINKS: 

MUST READ: Mo’Nique And Her Husband Will Launch A Relationship Podcast In January

Mo’Nique Clarifies Giving Husband ‘Pass’ To Cheat

Is Lee Daniels Upset Mo’Nique Didn’t Mention His Name In Her Oscars Acceptance Speech?

Black Excellence: Taraji, Uzo & Mo’Nique Lead Pack Of 2015 Black Emmy Nominees
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