Prince William speaks up about the lack of diversity in the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards. The Duke of Cambridge also serves as BAFTA President since the last decade.
While presenting the BAFTA Fellowship to Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy, during his speech, Prince William made a comment on the lack of actors of color and women who snubbed for nominations.
“We find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to address diversity in the sector. That cannot be right in this day and age. I know Pippa [Harris] and Amanda [Berry] share that frustration,” he expressed on stage. “BAFTA take this issue seriously, and following this year’s nominations have launched a full review…to ensure the opportunities are available to everyone.”
“In 2020, and not for the first time in the last few years, we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process,” he continued addressing the #BAFTAsSoWhite controversy. “That simply cannot be right in this day and age!”
While reminding the audience of him serving as the BAFTAs President, the Duke of Cambridge also jokes about The Crown saying, “I am particularly proud to stand here tonight having served as BAFTA’s President for the last 10 years. However, I must admit I don’t know whether I should be proud, or slightly alarmed, about the number of winners over the last decade who have portrayed members of my own family.”
Prince William wasn’t the only one addressing the issue, in fact, Joker’s Joaquin Phoenix took the opportunity of his Best Actor Award’s acceptance speech to address the lack of diversity in the BAFTAs 2020.