Matt Damon, who is in the Oscars race for his role in "The Martian", has joined other Hollywood celebrities in criticising the Academy awards' lack of inclusion at this year's nominations. 

Already an Oscar winner, Damon, 45, said it is "insane" that all of the acting nominees at the Academy Awards are white, just like in 2015. 

"It was shameful and embarrassing that there were two years in a row without a single actor of colour nominated. That's insane," he said at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. 

The controversy surrounding this year's Oscars nominations saw actor Will Smith, wife Jada Pinkett-Smith and Spike Lee deciding to boycott the main ceremony on February 28. 

A number of other Hollywood celebrities such as George Clooney, David Oyelowo, Luptia Nyong'o, Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo have also criticised the Academy, prompting it to announce a series of sweeping changes in its membership. 

"I'm glad that Cheryl Boone Isaacs took some action. It's a strong first step. That is all it is, it's a first step. This is gonna be a very long road. But I'm glad there's at least a first step," he told Bustle.