Latino congressman Tony Cárdenas has criticized the upcoming 87^th annual Oscars for the lack of diversity in this year's award nominees.

In a letter sent via e-mail to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Cárdenas requested a meeting to discuss "how to build a more diverse entertainment industry to better represent the diversity of our nation and the world." The Representative of California's 29th congressional district also sent the e-mail to numerous Hollywood executives, Deadline reports.

According to the entire letter published by Deadline, Cárdenas is shocked at "the lack of diversity in this year's Oscars nominees," stressing out that "it is unfortunate to see such a revered American institution fail to fully reflect our nation."

The 20 nominees in the Academy's acting categories are all white, Variety reports. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite was a trending topic on Twitter when the nominees were announced, with "Selma" actor David Oyelowo also criticizing the list, The Guardian notes. The actor explained that he wants to celebrate activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his role in promoting diversity.

Cárdenas also stated that Hollywood is not honoring the diversity that "makes this country unique," Deadline reports. This action, as noted by the politician, is sending a poor message to the youth and the world.

He added, "I want to work with you to improve diversity in the entertainment industry and in Academy membership. I understand this endeavor will take time to achieve, but I am committed to working with you to make sure the industry is more reflective of the rich diversity of the city it calls home."

The Guardian reports that the Academy has had poor performance when it comes to maintaining diversity in its annual list of nominees. Since 1969, "no black film editors have been nominated," and also none for best original score since 1987. Furthermore, "only seven of the 803 screenplays ever nominated for an Oscar have been penned by black writers." Women representatives are also lacking in several categories.

As an added explanation, Cárdenas said that he surrounded himself with "a diverse environment" throughout his entire career. This includes "promoting policies" and "hiring practices" that are in line with both the whites and the minorities. The congressman added that he wants to work with the film industry to "improve diversity in the Academy membership and the entertainment industry in a similar fashion."

"I am also interested in learning about the actions you are taking to promote diversity and add new and varied voices to the current media conversation," Cárdenas wrote in the letter. "You are in a unique position to help influence this change in Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole."

Variety reports that the Academy has not responded to Cárdenas' statement yet.