Prince William, Helen Mirren and Joaquin Phoenix are just some of the stars who have called out BAFTA for its lack of diversity. The awards, held yesterday, had zero nominations for non-white actors and a male-only directors list.
Actor Joaquin Phoenix who picked up the Best Actor prize at yesterday’s awards had a heartfelt speech on the topic. “I feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege. I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you’re not welcome here,” he said.
The Duke of Cambridge expressed his own concerns around the lack of diversity in a powerful closing speech at the event. “In 2020, and not for the first time in the last few years, we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process – that simply cannot be right in this day and age,” said the Duke.
Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren spoke up earlier about the diversity gap. Mirren told Mail Online that film and TV fans need to demand change from voters.
“It will come, incrementally, but it will only come if people demand it. And keep demanding it. Put your banner up for more roles for women, more roles for black women, especially, and more women directors. Keep demanding change. It’s good to be impatient,” said Mirren. She went on to say it wasn’t about tokenism, but rather about acknowledging the work. “I don’t think any director or actor would want to be nominated because of the colour of their skin, or because of their gender. It’s about the work, and there should be more of it.”
BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry has expressed her own frustrations with the diversity gap in nominations. “Being totally honest, we are disappointed, and that is not to take anything away from the people who have been nominated,” she said.
