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Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart to Present at 2016 Oscars Amid Controversy

Whoopi Goldberg and Kevin Hart
Whoopi Goldberg and Kevin HartEugene Gologursky/WireImage; Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

A long way to go. Whoopi Goldberg and Kevin Hart are set to present at the 2016 Oscars on February 28, despite the drama surrounding the awards show.

Related: Oscars 2016 Controversy: Everything We Know So Far

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday, January 28, that Goldberg and Hart, as well as Benicio del Toro, The Weeknd, Pharrell Williams, Tina Fey, Ryan Gosling, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Charlize Theron and Jacob Tremblay will present at the Chris Rock–hosted ceremony.

Chris Rock
Chris Rock speaks on stage during the BET Awards in 2014. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

“Each of these artists brings a wonderfully distinctive element to the Oscars stage,” producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin said in a statement. “Together they represent the many thrilling ways stories can be shared about the human experience, and we’re honored they will be part of the celebration.”

The Academy faced backlash after the all-white list of acting nominees was announced earlier this month. Jada Pinkett Smith was first to boycott the awards show, with stars such as Spike Lee announcing that they also will not be attending the event.

Related: PHOTOS: Oscars 2016 Best Picture Nominations: See the Complete List

Presenter Goldberg also weighed in on the debate, but denounced the idea of boycotting the awards show.

“Boycotting doesn’t work, and it’s also a slap in the face to Chris Rock,” she said on The View. “I find that also wrong. So I’m not going to boycott, but I’m going to continue to bitch, as I have, all year round, because I’m tired of seeing movies where no one is represented except a bit of the population.”

Related: Celebrity Scandals of 2015 Revisited: From Giuliana Rancic's Zendaya Hair Controversy to the Duggars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has since pledged to double its minority membership by 2020. 

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