As #OscarsSoWhite remains a prominent hashtag in Hollywood five years after it was created, the British Academy of Film Awards was called out Sunday — including one of its own winners — for the lack of inclusiveness.
The Academy Awards can at least say it’s doing better in the diversity sphere than another high profile awards show: the BAFTA Awards, its British counterpart. Though neither has any reason to celebrate.
As #OscarsSoWhite remains a prominent hashtag in Hollywood five years after it was created, the British Academy of Film Awards was called out Sunday — including by one of its own winners — for its lack of inclusiveness.
“I think we send a very clear message to people of colour that you’re not welcome here,” Joaquin Phoenix said on stage after accepting the best actor award for his role in the psychological thriller Joker.
“I think that’s the message we’re sending to people who have contributed so much to our medium, in our industry and in ways that we benefit from.”
The actor’s remarks were unusual in that Phoenix is known to