William’s fury over ‘too-white’ Baftas
Prince reveals review after acting categories name only white stars
PRINCE William has revealed his anger at the lack of diversity among this year’s Bafta nominees.
He announced from last night’s awards stage a ‘full and thorough review of the entire nomination process’.
The prince, who is president of the academy, raised his concerns after all 20 stars nominated for acting gongs were white – and the shortlist for best director was all-male.
He said last night at the Royal Albert Hall: ‘Both here in the UK and many countries across the world we are lucky to have incredible film makers... Men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities enriching our lives through film.
‘Yet 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.’ He also appeared to refer to productions such as The Crown when he added: ‘I don’t know whether I should be proud or slightly alarmed of the winners over the last decade who have portrayed members of my own family.’
The all-white nominations in the actor, actress, supporting actor and supporting actress categories come four years after Bafta chief executive Amanda Berry said she wanted the awards to be as ‘diverse as they possibly can be’.
William attended the ceremony with the Duchess of Cambridge.
Kate adhered to calls from Bafta bosses to help make this year’s ceremony ‘carbon neutral’ by rewearing an opulent cream and gold Alexander McQueen gown. She first wore it back in 2012 – at a dinner hosted by the King and Queen of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Best supporting actress nominee Florence Pugh stunned in a fuchsia ‘princess gown’ which featured huge puffed sleeves and black ribbon detailing.
Renee Zellweger, who won for her performance as Judy Garland, posed in a strapless, pale pink dress with belted detail, while Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke greeted fans in a beaded, black floor-length dress.
British actress Jodie TurnerSmith stood out in a bright yellow outfit with a plunging neckline.
‘Not right in this day and age’