Stars fire back at Oscars backlash, others want change 'now'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- From Hollywood to the snowy Sundance Film Festival and across the pond in England, stars are sounding off on the growing Oscars controversy.

Activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson ripped into the Academy at a press conference on Monday. At issue was its recent plan to increase diversity in its membership by 2020.

"If you're going to open up the academy, as you say, to more minorities and more women - just do it! It's your academy! It's your board of governors! You set the rules," he said.

As calls to boycott the award show grew louder, some were speaking out against the backlash.

"Straight Outta Compton" producer Ice Cube took the high road on the Graham Norton Show after many said his film was snubbed by the Oscars.

He said he doesn't feel like there was anything to complain about.

"We got so much praise for the movie and it's, like, how can you be mad because one other academy or guild or anybody didn't say it's the number one, you know?" he said.

As the Oscars drew nearer, awards season was in full swing at the Producers Guild Awards over the weekend.

Powerhouse Shonda Rhimes talked about the industry's diversity issues while accepting the Norman Lear Achievement Award.

Rhimes said there is nothing trailblazing about putting people of color on TV and in movies.

"I created the content that I wanted to see, and I created what I thought - what I know - is normal," she said during her acceptance speech.

At the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, stars such as singer John Legend sounded off.

"I think they've gotten the message that people want to see some change," he said.

The Academy Awards show is set to air on Sunday, Feb. 28 on Eyewitness News.