The BAFTAs did not have any major upsets this past weekend, but the story people keep talking about is Joaquin Phoenix’ Best Actor win for “Joker” and, more importantly, the speech he gave.
Phoenix took the time during his acceptance speech to talk about the lack of diversity at this year’s awards, calling out the systemic racism within the industry:
“I feel very honored and privileged to be here tonight,” said Phoenix. “The BAFTAs have already been very supportive of my career and I’m deeply appreciative. But 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.” He continued, “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. People just want to be acknowledged, appreciated and respected for their work. 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 to ensure that the sets I was on are inclusive.”
“But I think it’s more than just having sets that are multi-cultural,” Phoenix added. “We have to do really 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.”
This is what I don’t get from the whole “systematic racism” argument Phoenix is trying to lay down. If there was any year to make this complaint, and there have been quite a few this last decade, it’s not this year. People are irked that Cynthia Erivo should have gotten a BAFTA Best Actress nod for “Harriet,” but the movie was just not that good and the perfomance, although good, did not deserve to be part of the final five nominees. Then there is Lupita N’yongo’s performance in “Us,” which didn’t get nominated for either a BAFTA or an Oscar — I don’t think she deserved a nod either. If any person of color deserved a nomination this year it should have been Awkwafina’s work in “The Farewell,” I’m still dumbfounded by that snub.
The Oscars are next Sunday and Phoenix is the frontrunner to win Best Actor, expect another politically-minded speech.