Citing Oscars Controversy, Ian McKellan Says Gay Actors are 'Disregarded'

#OscarsSoStraight?

Citing the controversy surrounding the Academy Award's diversity problem, out actor Ian McKellen said the award show also discriminates against gay people, Time magazine reports.

The "Lord of the Rings" star said he empathizes with black actors who are taking issue with the lack of people of color being nominated at this year's Oscars ceremony, adding gay actors are still being treated differently.

"It's not only black people who've been disregarded by the film industry," McKellen, 76, told Sky News Monday. "It used to be women. It's certainly gay people to this day."

The #OscarsSoWhite hashtag reemerged this month after no non-white actors were nominated in the acting categories for a second year in a row, resulting in Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith, along with director Spike Lee, boycotting the ceremony.

"These are all legitimate complaints," McKellen said.

It should be noted the lesbian drama "Carol" was snubbed for a Best Picture nod, as was out director Todd Haynes.

Eddie Redmayne, who stars in "The Danish" girl as transgender woman Lili Elbe, was nominated for Best Actor, however, and Cate Blanchette earned a nod for Best Actress for her performance as a gay woman in "Carol." Rooney Mara, who also stars in "Carol," was nominated Best Supporting Actress. "Carol" and "The Danish Girl" picked up a few Oscar nominations for non-acting categories as well.