Joaquin Phoenix Blasts ‘Systemic Racism’ In Film Industry During BAFTAs Speech

The “Joker’s” Joaquin Phoenix called out “systemic racism” in the film industry during his BAFTA acceptance speech in London.

Phoenix won Leading Actor on Sunday for his role in the “Joker” and he was quick to address the lack of diversity in awards and the industry as a whole.

All five nominees in the category which Joaquin won were white, and he made it clear in his speech,

“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 don’t think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment, this is not a self-righteous 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 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.

Phoenix actually forgot his award and had to return to the podium to retrieve it.

The Grammy’s, Oscars and Golden Globes have also been criticized for their lack of inclusion.

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