ATLANTA — Actor Joaquin Phoenix is calling out the movie industry for "systemic racism."
It happened during his "Best Actor" acceptance speech at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, igniting conversation online.
Phoenix said he felt honored to be at the awards, but also conflicted because he said many of his fellow actors don’t' have the same privilege.
“I have to say that I also feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege," Phoenix said during his speech for his performance in “Joker."
"I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you’re not welcome here," he added. "I think that’s the message we are sending to people that have contributed so much to our medium and our industry in ways that we benefit from."
No person of color was nominated in the acting categories, and no woman was featured in the list of nominations for Best Director.
“I don’t think anybody wants a hand out or preferential treatment, although that’s what we give ourselves every year,” he continued. “I think that people just want to be acknowledged, appreciated, and respected for their work.”
Actresses LuLu Wang and Viola Davis went to social media to applaud the star for speaking up.
“Thank you, Joaquin Phoenix. For your honesty, solidarity, AND courage. Well done,” she wrote on Twitter.
Wang thanked Phoenix for taking the time out of his achievement saying, “an uncomfortable silence filled the hall for a long noticeable moment.”
"Joker" received 11 nominations for the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards. Phoenix is nominated for Best Actor.
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