jill frier, nbc news, los angeles. >> a popular california beach is now closed off to the public after a dangerous sink hole opened up there. the hole appeared in the side of a cliff over the weekend, cutting off the access path to pau city of ka beach south of san francisco. it may have been caused by an occurrence known as king tides which bring some of the biggest he waves of the year. when we come back here tonight, santa claus is coming to town making sure kids who might otherwise miss out get to share in the christmas fun. >> announcer: nbc nightly news is liberty mutual stood with me when i was too busy with the kids to get a repair estimate. i just snapped a photo and got an estimate in 24 hours. my insurance company definitely doesn't have that... you can leave worry behind when liberty stands with you? liberty mutual insurance the alzheimer's association is going to make it happen by funding scientific breakthroughs, advancing public policy, and providing local support to those living with the disease and their caregivers. but we won't get there without you. visit alz.org to

jill frier reports it could be a sign of what's to come. >> reporter: a year that started with anotherr so white controversy is ending with a diverse list of golden globe nominees, seven of the 30 film acting nods. >> i gave 18 years of my life to stand in the same part as you. >> reporter: viola davis in fences, to naomi harris in moonlight. >> i think it's been a strong year for movies that reflect the black experience. >> reporter: april rain created the hashtag oscar so white in 2015 when the same thing happened again in 2016, prompting an oscars boycott and a searing monologue from chris rock. the academy pushed to diversify its membership inviting more than 600 new members, 46% of them women, 41% people of color hoping to avoid an oscar so white trilogy. >> i think we will not be seeing a repeat this year. if we do, then there is going to be even more controversy than there has been in the past. >> women do some things, mr. johnson. >> reporter: of course many of the movies earning praise this year were well in the works before oscar so white. for rain one strong year doesn't mea