Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith have both announced plans to boycott the Academy Awards because of its all-white acting nominees. Can a boycott like this really make a difference?

+ Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy, has already issued a strong, supportive response: “I’d like to acknowledge the wonderful work of this year’s nominees. While we celebrate their extraordinary achievements, I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion. This is a difficult but important conversation, and it’s time for big changes.”