I saw the movie Concussion and believe Will Smith should at least be nominated for best actor. The movie is also worthy of a best picture nomination. I am not basing my opinion on the color of Will Smith's skin; Smith is a brilliant actor who happens to be black. I didn't watch Concussion thinking this is a good movie because Smith is black. Concussion is an extremely well-made movie with a star actor.

Actors and actresses should be nominated to receive Academy awards based on performance and not the color of their skin. Why was Will Smith excluded from nomination? Was it prejudice? Pure stupidity? Or, did the scorecards simply not tally in Smith's favor?

I have hundreds of African American friends who I have worked closely with for years. However, I am not for promoting anyone for a nomination because of skin color. Nor am I for excluding anyone because of skin color. Jobs, nominations, promotions and attainments should always be based on merit, skills, ability, training and hard work.

America is rapidly changing. Multi-nationalities and religions are flooding this country. What will happen in America? Will the Muslim population band together and protest against Hollywood? Will Asians boycott American theaters?

Will every color and nationality eventually have its own awards show. For example, will we have an Academy for Asians only or an Academy for Muslims only?

Academy nominations should be based on merit. This year they missed an appropriate nomination in my opinion.

America has to operate on merit and hard work. We are a multicultural nation. Jobs and promotions across our nation on all levels must not be based on reaching a numerical quota of any certain race or nationality. Law-abiding, hardworking citizens should never be passed over because of race or religion.

We have a long way to go in America. Everything we do must be inclusive of all. Every beauty pageant, television network, sports team, election, factory, grocery store, market place and subdivision must be open to all who abide by the rules and work hard to be good Americans.

Glenn Mollette is an syndicated columnist and author of 11 books and read in all 50 states. This column does not necessarily reflect the view of any organization, institution or this paper or media source.