Another year of the British Academy Film Awards has disappointed people and made them cry out, “Why is BAFTA So White?” The pictures of the set of winners do not bring joy to the viewers. While smiling faces are holding out their achievement, we view a sea of white faces. One may not but wonder that such an event could not be by chance. Moreover, this is not the only year BAFTA has biasedness over color has raised questions.
Every year, BAFTA brings out a list of winners that is explicitly devoid of diversity. And subsequently disappoints the world at large. It is indeed concerning that after years of prejudice and struggle, color still seemed to be repulsive to the judges of the awards. While the chairperson of the BAFTA, Krishnendu Majumdar told the press that the judgment will be made on merit. However, people including some celebrities share their dismay.
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BAFTA Awards 2023: A Night So White
When the snap of all the winners of the BAFTA was released, it brought down the hearts of many as they saw a crowd of overwhelming white. It was disappointing to see despite all the progress, BAFTA can not let go of white supremacy. People shared their concerns about the same on Twitter. While all the winners were not lacking in their performances, the BAFTA came under criticism for color biasedness.
England especially the royal family has been attacked for racial and color discrimination. BAFTA for over a decade had winners without color. With this continued behavior can we expect the BAFTA to change its ways? One tweet read, “And let’s face it, you can have all the inclusive nominees in the world, but when the winners are exclusive white, has any progress actually been made?” Another said, “After taking steps to ensure more diversity, this @BAFTA winners pic is so disappointing. #BaftasSoWhite”
Related: 2023 BAFTA Awards: Complete List Of Winners
“Not A Perfect Full Stop”: BAFTA Organizers
In defense of their choices, the chairman of BAFTA, Krishnendu Majumdar shared a word with New York Times. He claimed that these decisions are made by taking “merit” into consideration. Cate Blanchet was the recipient of Best Actress for her performance in ‘Tar’ (2022). Meanwhile, Austin Butler backed the Best Actor award for portraying the late singer Elvis Presley in the biography ‘Elvis’.
BAFTA chief executive Jane Millichip shared with the media that BAFTA 2020 reforms are not, “were not a perfect full stop”. Moreover, she claimed that the winners of 2021 and 2022 were not all white. While the host, Richard E. Grant promised that there would be no slapping during the event, BAFTA received one from the world.
