Joaquin Phoenix calls out systemic racism in industry

The actor won the award for Best Leading actor for Joker at the British Academy of Film and Television Film Awards

LONDON: Actor Joaquin Phoenix felt “conflicted” about his win at the 2020 British Academy of Film and Television Film Awards (BAFTAS) as he took the stage to condemn “systemic racism” in his acceptance speech.

The 45-year-old actor on Sunday won the award for Best Leading actor for Joker, but took the opportunity to address the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“I feel very honoured and privileged to be here tonight. BAFTAS have always been very supportive of my career and

I’m deeply appreciative. But I hate to say I also feel conflicted, because so many of my fellow actors don’t have that same privilege. I think we send a very clear message to people of colour that you’re not welcome here,” he said.

“I think that’s the message we have contributed so much to our medium and our industry. I have not done everything in my power to ensure the stuff that I worked on are inclusive. We have to do the hard to work to truly understand systemic racism. I think that it is the obligation of the people that have created and perpetuated and benefited from the system of oppression that dismantle it, and that’s on us. Thank you,” he added.

This year, Hollywood films Joker, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and The Irishman leading the nomination pack at the 2020 (BAFTAS) sparked off criticism that the British film awards lack diversity in its main acting categories.