Speaking at the British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs) on Sunday, none other Great Britain’s Prince William lamented about the overabundance of white people nominated this year.
“Catherine and I are once again really delighted to join you this evening. Tonight we celebrate another year of exceptional filmmaking and I’m thrilled that all those involved have been recognized,” William began, as reported by People.
“Both here in the U.K. and in many other countries across the world we are lucky to have incredible filmmakers, actors, producers, directors and technicians – men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities enriching our lives through film,” he continued. “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!”
Prince William went on to promise that BAFTA will continue to take the issue of diversity “seriously” by launching a thorough review of the entire process.
“I know that both Pippa, Chair of BAFTA, and Amanda, BAFTA CEO, share that frustration and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that creative talent is discovered and supported,” said William. “BAFTA takes this issue seriously, and following this year’s nominations have launched a full and thorough review of the entire Awards process to build on their existing work and ensure that opportunities are available to everyone.”
Similar to the backlash against this year’s Oscar nominations, the BAFTAs were severely criticized for having no actors of color nominated and only male directors.
When the awards show nominations came out earlier this month, BAFTA faced backlash when fans noticed that the list did not feature non-white actors. In addition, the list had only listed male directors. The critics seem entirely unsatisfied with the fact that Director Bong Joon Ho (a Korean) was nominated for his fantastic work on the movie “Parasite.” During the controversy, BAFTA’s director of awards, Emma Baehr, told The Hollywood Reporter that the lack of diversity is an “industry-wide issue.”
“We’d have liked to have seen more diversity in the nominations, it does continue to be an industry-wide issue,” said Baehr. “I think more films need to be made, and entered, giving people a chance to see them. We’d absolutely like to see more diversity, but I also don’t want to take away from those celebrating today.”
Actor Joaquin Phoenix, who won the BAFTA for his work in “Joker,” also lamented the lack of diversity at the award ceremony.
“I have to say that I also feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege,” Phoenix said. “I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you’re not welcome here. I think that’s the message that we’re sending to people that have contributed so much to our medium and our industry and in ways that we benefit from.”
“I don’t think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment, although that’s what we give ourselves every year. I think people just want to be appreciated and respected for their work,” he continued. “This is not a self-righteous condemnation, because I’m ashamed that I’m part of the problem. I’ve not done everything in my power to ensure that the sets I work on are inclusive.”
“It’s more than having sets that are multicultural, I think that we have to really do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism,” he concluded. “I think that 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.”