CALLS FOR DIVERSITY RULE AT BAFTAS 2020
References of inclusivity echoed through the evening, as did Brexit and Megxit
It was only fitting that the lack of diversity was spoken out about loud and clear by the likes of the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, and actor Joaquin Phoenix at the British Academy Film Awards, organised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) on Sunday night, following the #BaftasSoWhite outcry.
While British filmmaker Sam Mendes’ war drama 1917 scored seven wins, including Best Film, Best British Film and Best Director, it was Best Actor winner Joaquin’s calling out of the “systemic racism” of the industry that grabbed attention.
Joaquin accused the industry of sending out “a clear message to people of colour that you’re not welcome here”. “I’ve not done everything in my power to ensure the sets I work on are inclusive, but I think it’s more than just having sets that are multicultural. We have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism. I think it is the obligation of the people that have created and perpetuate and benefit from a system of oppression to be the ones that dismantle it. So that’s on us,” said the actor, awarded for his titular performance in Joker. Bafta and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences drew criticism for the lack of representation and diversity in the nominee lineup. The acting categories had shut out people of colour while no women directors were recognised in the directing segment.
Host Graham Norton took on Joker, describing it as “essentially the story of a white man who makes himself even whiter”.
Prince William, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Kate Middleton, also addressed the issue, saying, “We find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to address diversity in the sector. That cannot be right in this day and age.”
The couple laughed when Margot Robbie read out an acceptance note on behalf of her Once Upon a Time In Hollywood co-star Brad Pitt, who won for Best Supporting Actor. In a reference to the UK leaving the European Union, Pitt wrote, “Hey Brits, heard you just got single. Welcome to the club!” And in a Megxit dig, Margot said, “He’s (Pitt) gonna name this Harry, because he’s really excited about bringing this back to the States with him.”
What the royal couple in attendance was not amused by, however, was a mention of their controversial family member Prince Andrew by actor Rebel Wilson. “It’s really great to be here at the Royal Andrew...Royal Harry…no, um…Royal Phil...at this royal palace…place,” she said.
The Royal Albert Hall was alive with a host of celebs, with a majority not sticking to the event’s sustainable fashion guidelines.
Kamali, the real-life story of a single Indian mother’s struggle to break free from gender shackles, for her 10year-old daughter Kamali Moorthy, empowering her through skateboarding, lost out on an award in the British short film category.