Back in 2016, the world was introduced to the #OscarsSoWhite campaign on social media, after the awards show nominations were announced and no People of Color were nominated in the acting categories. Since then, the Academy Awards has included more diversity in the nominations, after the embarrassment of that year. Now, it appears that it’s the BAFTAs’ turn to feel the heat.
After the recent announcement of the 2020 BAFTA award nominations, with 20 acting nominations going to all white people (Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie scored two each), Twitter wasted no time before the #BAFTAsSoWhite campaign began. But as pointed out by members of the press, as well as some filmmakers, such as “Blinded by the Light” screenwriter Sarfraz Manzoor.
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“I seem to recall a British film came out last year that featured young British Asian leads, a female Asian director and an Asian screenwriter.. name escapes me but I heard good things about it,” tweeted Manzoor, alluding to his acclaimed film from 2019.
However, it appears that this controversy isn’t falling on deaf ears. Speaking on a radio show (via Daily Mail), BAFTAs boss Amanda Berry shared her disappointment at the lack of diversity and said, “If I’m being totally honest, no, I’m very disappointed.”
When it was brought up that the nominations are “very white,” she added, “I’m going to totally agree with you because that’s how I felt when I first saw the list and this isn’t being disrespectful to anyone who has been nominated because it’s an incredibly strong list this year.”
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Of course, nominations are made after voting happens, so this isn’t a case of the BAFTAs themselves being racist, as it’s more a reflection of the voting contingent. However, much like what happened with the Academy Awards, hopefully, this will lead to more awareness from voters in the future.
Here is a selection of tweets regarding the controversy:
I seem to recall a British film came out last year that featured young British Asian leads, a female Asian director and an Asian screenwriter.. name escapes me but I heard good things about it. https://t.co/7uE5748CF0
— Sarfraz Manzoor (@sarfrazmanzoor) January 7, 2020
Opportunity is always going to be an issue. But there was no lack of talent on screen and behind the camera this year. The discussion has to turn to the demographics of the voting membership of these governing bodies. If they’re not diverse, Noms won’t be either. #BAFTASSoWhite https://t.co/T2hGmvTBXe
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/Lexialex/status/1214563242237820929
Always on brand. Always on white.#BAFTAsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/saKyAMgbp1
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) January 7, 2020
Honestly stunning that the BAFTAs nominated Margot Robbie & Scarlett Johansson TWICE EACH while nominating zero actors of color. #BAFTASsowhite https://t.co/WtkVKAqpZR
— Gavia Baker-Whitelaw (@Hello_Tailor) January 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/TooManyEmmas/status/1214468477605613569
The #EEBAFTAs on the phone to Scarlett Johansson begging her to appropriate another culture in time for the awards… #BAFTASSoWhite pic.twitter.com/KHVEUqeUiM
— Tufayel Ahmed (@tufayel) January 7, 2020
Honestly, what a shitshow. #BAFTAssowhite
— Helen O'Hara (@HelenLOHara) January 7, 2020
Baftas so white and blokey this year, its surprising Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen didn't get 10 nominations…
— boydhilton (@boydhilton) January 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/adambvary/status/1214459423457857536
