Joaquin Phoenix Slams All-White Lineup In Moving BAFTA Acceptance Speech

Actor Joaquin Phoenix gratefully accepted his Best Actor award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Sunday night. Then he dressed down the awards system — and the industry — for sending a “clear message to people of color” that they’re “not welcome here.”

He spoke for minutes to a dead-silent audience that included fellow nominees Adam Driver and Saoirse Ronan before listeners erupted in cheers and applause.

“But I have to say I also feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege,” he added. “I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you’re not welcome here.”