Joaquin Phoenix Slams Systemic Racism In The Film Industry During 2020 BAFTAs Speech!

C.A.

Joaquin Phoenix is making quite a run this awards season, snagging trophies left and right for his epic performance in Joker.

The 45-year-old star’s latest win came on Sunday night at the 2020 BAFTAs when he was given the distinction of Best Leading Actor for his role in the Todd Phillips-directed film.

However, the actor is receiving a double dose of praise after he used his acceptance speech to call out the ongoing lack of diversity among the nominated creators and performers this awards season, saying the issue could no longer be ignored!

Related: Brad Pitt Pokes Fun At Himself In Film Fest Acceptance Speech! Watch!

A quick note in case you missed it, not one person of color was up for an award in any of the acting categories at this year’s British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards. Not one. Does this remind you of any other popular annual show? Ahem, #OscarsSoWhite.

In his speech, Phoenix said that while he felt “honored” to be in attendance and accept the award, he was “ashamed” actors of color were shut out again this year:

“I feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege. 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.”

Joaquin made it a point to distinguish this issue isn’t about patting his non-white peers on the back but actually giving them the recognition they rightfully deserve. He even threw a little shade and added:

“I don’t think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment, although that’s what we give ourselves every year. I think people want to be appreciated and respected for their work.”

The Walk The Line actor continued, admitting his part in the film industry’s recurring problem:

“This is not a self-righteous condemnation because I’m ashamed to say that I’m part of the problem. I have not done everything in my power — not all sets I’ve worked on are inclusive, but I think it’s more than just having sets that are multicultural.”

He concluded his poignant message with a call to action and reminder that the fight against systemic racism is far from over:

“We have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism. I think 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.”

WATCH his rousing speech in the clip (below):

Talk about using your platform and privilege for good!! We are SO here for necessary conversations like this!

As we mentioned earlier, the Oscars also continue to suffer from a lack of inclusivity as Cynthia Erivo is the only nominated actor of color this year, up for Best Actress for her performance in Harriet.

So, yeah. Change is long overdue and it’s no surprise the people seem to agree!

Praise For Joaquin!

It wasn’t long before Phoenix’s speech started going viral on Twitter! Black actresses like Kerry Washington and Viola Davis were among the scores of fans praising the thespian for speaking out on the issue.

See their reactions (below):

And more from fans here:

Now, it’s time to hear from YOU! Perezcious readers, thoughts on this speech and the topic at large? Let us know what you’re thinking by sounding OFF in the comments (below)…

[Image via WENN/Avalon]

The post Joaquin Phoenix Slams Systemic Racism In The Film Industry During 2020 BAFTAs Speech! appeared first on Perez Hilton.