Andy Samberg slams critics of Oscar diversity rules, talks 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and police brutality

Andy Samberg has a message for Academy members who disapprove of the recent diversity standards: Get with the program – it's actually easy.

In September, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts announced new representation and inclusion standards that films must meet to be eligible for the best-picture Oscar. The changes are meant to encourage representation and reflect diversity.

The "Palm Springs" star praised the policy and questioned what critics of the new rules are thinking during an Thursday's episode of Variety’s "Awards Circuit" podcast.

"The Oscars thing ... People having issues with that is insane," Samberg said. "The parameters if you look at them closely, you can have the 'whitest' cast in the history of cinema and still very easily meet them by just doing a few key roles behind the camera. People who have problems with it can (expletive) off."

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The Golden Globe-winning actor also elaborated about how his NBC hit-show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," in which he plays Jake Peralta, will address systemic racism and police brutality, acknowledging that although the show is meant to make people laugh, "it's a cop comedy, so we got to lie on the bed we make."

"The challenge is going to be being honest about what is going on in the world and not shying away from the fact that there are serious problems and also not punishing viewers who like our show and care about our characters," he explained. "But I do believe that our characters need to examine their roles in the world. They’re going to be forced to look in the mirror and see who they’re complicit with."

As he praises the show's efforts, Samberg also acknowledges that the sitcom has "a decent track record of addressing social issues."

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"We've certainly never acted as if all police are innocent outside of our squad. In fact, I think we have a ton of episodes that are specifically about how there's a lot of corruption and breaking protocol."

He then reminded viewers that the show's efforts won't be enough to bring light to ongoing issues of racism and police brutality.

"I think it's important for us and for anyone watching our show to keep in mind if we're looking for a half-hour comedy show to be the ones to solve this problem, we're in trouble," he said. "Our job is pointing out that stuff isn't getting done right and spreading the word that we're (really) hopeful that it can get better."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andy Samberg slams Academy members who disapprove of diversity rules