The awards season success of Joker continued with the BAFTAs, where Joaquin Phoenix won the award for Best Actor. However you feel about the movie, Phoenix worked really hard on the movie and deserves all the praise he's getting, even if some parts of the movie are rightfully scrutinized. That isn't the story here though since Phoenix did something big and called out the lack of diversity in this, and if we're being honest, many other awards seasons.
Deadline covered how Phoenix expressed his frustration for people of color, pointing out how the lack of nominations for them makes those actors and actresses feel excluded by these big awards shows. While Phoenix did point out how those actors don't want a "free pass" when it comes to getting nominated, he stated that white people have been giving themselves one for years now.
I'm sorry, this guy is playing a Batman villain? After this speech, a lot of people will want him to play Superman.
Here's what the Joker actor had to say about diversity:
"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."
Considering how white these, and let's be honest most, awards shows tend to be, seeing a prominent actor like Phoenix speak up about it is great. Hopefully, something actually comes out of this since there are a lot of non-white actors who deserve to gain respect for their work. Let's hope that 2021 is a bit better for them.
Joker is now available on Blu-ray and digital services.
Read:Birds of Prey: Margot Robbie on Harley Quinn Meeting Joaquin Phoenix's Joker
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