Find out What Joaquin Phoenix Said in His BAFTAs Speech

The Joker star gave a powerful speech about the lack of diversity and inclusion in the film industry.

The British Academy of Film and Television Art, or BAFTA, aired on February 2nd. Joaquin Phoenix won the award for leading actor. During his acceptance speech, Phoenix had a lot to say about the BAFTAs all-white acting nominations line-up.

While he did state how thankful and appreciative he was for the award, he could not stand by and ignore his fellow minority actors who did not get any recognition. “I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you are not welcome here,” he said.

He goes on to say he knows none of them want a handout or any kind of special treatment, they just want to also be recognized and respected for their hard work. He acknowledged his own shortcomings, saying he is “ashamed to say that I am part of the problem.”

Joaquin Phoenix accepts his Leading Actor award for his performance in @jokermovie #EEBAFTAs #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/1nK49CjrJo

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 2, 2020

Many people supported Phoenix including Lulu Wang, director of The Farewell. No women were nominated for best director for the seventh year in a row, and Wang was only there because The Farewell was nominated for best film not in the English language.

An uncomfortable silence filled the hall for a long noticeable moment. Thank you Joaquin.

— Lulu Wang (@thumbelulu) February 2, 2020

There is a complete list of all the BAFTA winners here.