Jada Pinkett Smith praises diverse Oscar nominations after boycotting last year’s ceremony

Jada Pinkett Smith has praised this year’s Oscar nominations for their diversity after boycotting last year’s awards.

The American actress, who was part of the ‘#OscarsSoWhite’ campaign, has dubbed this year’s nominations ‘fantastic’ as a record six black actors have been recognised.

“I feel really fantastic. It’s a beautiful thing to see. We had a lot of exceptional films this year,” she told Variety.

“I’m glad to see that projects like Hidden Figures, Fences and Moonlight are getting recognition. I’m very proud this morning.”

She added: “Because of the state that our country is in, as artists it’s so important we use our platform to help shine light on how we want to be identified as a country.

“I look at this as a beautiful step towards that. Just our participation as artists in this time of how we want to represent our country, what is the messaging we want the world to see.

“As artists we have strong voices. We create strong imagery in regards to the identity of our country. It’s important that we take responsibility for that.”

Actors including Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Ruth Negga have all been nominated for their work in film this year.

Pinkett Smith’s husband Will Smith recently said that he was not planning to return to the Oscars any time soon.

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

"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."