Joaquin Phoenix Addresses ‘Systematic Racism’ In Candid Speech at 2020 BAFTA Awards. There’s no stopping Joaquin Phoenix, who won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the the 73rd Annual British Academy Film Awards on Sunday. The recognition comes for his acclaimed performance in Joker, which has already earned him a Golden Globe and SAG Award as well as a nomination for Best Actor at the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards. He beat out fellow nominees, Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Adam Driver (Marriage Story), Taron Egerton (Rocketman) and Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes). Taking the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Phoenix used his acceptance speech to speak out about the lack of diversity this awards season. This year’s BAFTAs nominations list featured no non-white actors, and an all-male list of nominated directors. “I feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege. I think we send a very clear message to people of color that you’re not welcome here,” Phoenix said. He continued, “I don’t think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment. People just want to be acknowledged, appreciated and respected for their work. This is not a self-righteous condemnation. I’m part of the problem.”
