Oscar 2015: Academy criticised after no black or Asian actors nominated

David Oyelowo was snubbed for his portrayal of Martin Luther King

(Paramount Pictures)

The 2015 Oscars have been dubbed the "whitest year" since 1998 after no non-white actors were nominated in the four major categories.

Oscar nominations in full

Martin Luther King biopic Selma earned just two nominees in the Best Picture and Best Original Song categories, but its star David Oyelowo has been snubbed for Best Actor, as well as its female director Ava DuVernay.

The dominance of white actors has been criticised by many film fans on Twitter tuning in to watch the nominations are they were announced live in Los Angeles.

Last year Mexican-Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o won for her performance in 12 Years A Slave. Her co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor was nominated in the Best Actor category, while Barkhad Abdi also earned a nomination for Captain Phillips.

Instead this year 20 white actors dominate all four acting categories Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

The last time no non-white actors were nominated was in 1998.

Halle Berry famously became the first black woman to win a Best Actress Oscar in 2002.