VIDEO: Joaquin Phoenix Uses Best Actor Win for 'Joker' at 2020 BAFTA Awards to Call Out Systemic Racism

Joaquin Phoenix is all about taking out harmful systems, and not just as Arthur Fleck in Joker. The 45-year-old star took home the honor of Best Actor this past weekend at the 2020 BAFTA Awards for his role in the Todd Phillips-helmed blockbuster, but instead of just thanking people, he decided to challenge them.

In the video below, the Walk the Line star begins by expressing his gratitude, saying, “I feel very honored and privileged to be here tonight. The BAFTAs have always been very supportive of my career and I'm deeply appreciative.” Phoenix then calls out the very obvious elephant in the room, adding:

“But 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. I think we send a very clear message to people of color, that you're not welcome here. I think that's the message we are sending to people who have contributed so much to our medium, our industry, and in ways that we benefit from. I don't think anybody wants the handout or preferential treatment, although that's what we give ourselves every year.”

“I think that people just want to be acknowledged and appreciated and respected for their work. This is not a self-righteous condemnation because I am ashamed to say that I am a part of the problem," the actor humbly admits.

He concludes with a course of action for the industry, explaining:

"I have not done everything in my power to ensure that the sets I work on are inclusive. But, I think that it is more than having sets that are multicultural. I think we really have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism. I think that it is the obligation of the people who have created and perpetuate and benefit from a system of oppression to be the ones that dismantle it. So, that's on us. Thank you.”

According to Pop Sugar, Prince William (the president of the BAFTAs), later criticized the lack of diversity at the event, and said that the managing committee would conduct a full investigation into the nomination process.

Congratulations to Joaquin on the big win, and for the powerful speech!