Joaquin Phoenix Calls out <br />BAFTA for Lack of Diversity The 'Joker' star accepted his best actor award <br />and used his speech to shed light on the <br />lack of diversity in the award show's nominees. Joaquin Phoenix, via BAFTA speech The actor added it is the “obligation of the people that have created... and benefit from a system of oppression to be the ones that dismantle it.” Cynthia Erivo, nominated for two <br />Academy Awards for ‘Harriet,’ <br />refused to perform at Sunday's <br />show due to the lack of diversity. Erivo told 'Extra' that her appearance is not “something that can be thrown in as a party trick.” BAFTA’s director of awards Emma Baehr <br />told 'The Hollywood Reporter' that the <br />lack of inclusion amongst nominees <br />continues "to be an industry-wide issue.”
