Reese Witherspoon: 'Lack of Oscars diversity is disappointing'

Reese Witherspoon is disappointed that some of 2015's "best films" have not been recognised at the Oscars.

The US actress is the latest star to add her name to the growing list of Hollywood heavyweights aggrieved by the lack of diversity on the 2016 Academy Awards shortlist. Taking to her Facebook, Reese let fans know how she felt by posted an article from Time magazine titled 'The Oscar Nominations Proved the Academy Still Doesn't Get It'.

"I really appreciated this article in Time on the lack of racial and gender diversity in this year's Oscar nominations," she posted. "So disappointed that some of 2015's best films, filmmakers and performances were not recognized.

"Nothing can diminish the quality of their work, but these filmmakers deserve recognition. As an Academy member, I would love to see a more diverse voting membership."

Reese bagged an Oscar in 2006 for Walk the Line and was again nominated last year (15) for Wild.

The 39-year-old isn't the only previous winner to lend her voice to the racial controversy; Dustin Hoffman and George Clooney have also hit out, as have Oscar-nominees Don Cheadle, Mark Ruffalo and Spike Lee.

Academy president Cheryl Boone has also spoken about it, addressing the issue in a statement days after the controversy kicked off.

"I'd like to acknowledge the wonderful work of this year's nominees," she said. "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. The Academy is taking dramatic steps to alter the makeup of our membership."