DHAKA: The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts says she would like to see more diversity in Oscar nominations, after a row about this year’s nominees.

All 20 contenders in the main acting categories are white and there are no female nominees in the directing or writing categories.

The Academy, which picks the contenders, has faced strong criticism.

But Cheryl Boone Isaacs said she was proud of the nominees and that the body was ‘making strides’ towards diversity.

Boone Isaacs, who is the first African-American president of the Academy, told the media that the organisation is ‘committed to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion'’, reports the BBC.

‘In the last two years, we've made greater strides than we ever have in the past toward becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation through admitting new members and more inclusive classes of members,’' she said.

She added she would ‘love to see’ greater diversity among the nominees.

BDST: 1741 HRS, JAN 17, 2015