JOAQUIN PHOENIX 'CONFLICTED' ABOUT AWARD
Oaquin Phoenix declared he felt 'conflicted' about his Leading Actor win at Sunday's EE British Academy Film Awards as he condemned 'systemic racism'. The 45-year-old actor scooped the coveted honour for his efforts in Joker, but took the opportunity to address the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry. Appearing downcast as he took to the stage at London's Royal Albert Hall, the star said: '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. I think that's the message we have contributed so much to our medium and our industry. I don't think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment, this is not a selfrighteous condemnation.
'I have not done everything in my power to ensure the stuff that I worked on are inclusive. We have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism.think that it is the obligation of the people that have created and perpetuated and benefited from the system of oppression to dismantle it, and that's on us. Thank you.'
After making his speech, and receiving a round of applause, the actor initially left the podium without his award, and had to be called back to take it with him.
The actor also made a statement of a personal nature at the prestigious awards ceremony, when he arrived wearing his recycled Stella Mccartney tuxedo. He cut a dapper figure as he hit the red carpet in his black ensemble of choice, which was teamed with a crisp white shirt bow tie, after vowing to re-wear his suit to all awards shows as part of his eco-friendly message.
The star wore his hair in a tousled wavy look while he sported a greying beard. Hollywood actor
Joaquin has been the driving force between the 2020 awards season's green initiative. According to Variety the actor pushed the Hollywood Foreign Press, who are behind the Golden Globes, to opt for a meat- and dairy-less meal at this month's ceremony.
He used his acceptance speech for the Best Actor gong to praise the move, telling the crowd: 'I would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press for recognising and acknowledging the link between animal agriculture and climate change.'it's a very bold move, making tonight plant-based.'