The actor that’s been praised all 2019-2020 for his Joker character, has taken the stage to accept another Best Actor title, this time at the BAFTA Film Awards. His acceptance speech included not accepting the “systemic racism” of the film industry, clearly appalled faced and few applauses. But a message was delivered.
With two minutes Joaquin Phoenix addresses the issue of diversity and opportunity within the film industry. While thankful for his Best Actor Award he expresses feeling conflicted and clearly disappointed in the lack of recognition for his fellow actors who he believes are deserving.
“We send a very clear message to people of color that ‘you’re not welcome here’,
‘I’m ashamed to say that I’m part of the problem, because I’ve not ensured that the sets I’ve worked on are inclusive.
‘We have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism. It is the obligation of the people who have created and benefit from the system of oppression to be the ones to dismantle it. So that’s on us.”
Lulu Wang – the director of Chinese-American drama The Farewell, which was nominated for best original screenplay tweeted:
All while some were watching Sunday nights Super Bowl…