The outgoing BAFTA Chair used his final awards speech after three years in post to push the industry on its ongoing work for representation both on- and off-screen.
“I’m so proud of the journey we’ve been on and the seismic changes BAFTA has made over the last three years,” he said. “That work continues because progression on making this industry more representative, inclusive, and equitable is a collective responsibility. It’s on all of us.“Awards are a mirror to the industry. They offer a snapshot of a moment in time. They reward excellence and celebrate success, and they also tell us a lot about the current picture of the UK television sector.
“So let’s redouble our efforts. Let’s look again at how we are supporting people from all backgrounds – not just to enter the industry but to stay in the industry and thrive in sustainable careers.work, with Majumdar making it a priority throughout his tenure. However, the number of TV award nominees from ethnic backgrounds dropped to 24% this year, from more than 40% in the past two.
Last year’s film awards saw the hashtag #BaftaSoWhite circulating after what critics deemed to be a lack of diversity among its winners. There was also some surprise this year when all six Best Actress nominees in the TV awards were revealed to be white, as DeadlineEarlier this month, Majumdar told members in a letter that “setting diversity quotas for voting is not the answer” for BAFTA awards programs.
As of this month, BAFTA’s current membership comprises a 42:58 female-male split, with 16% of members from underrepresented ethnic groups, 7% with a disability, and 12% identifying as LGBTQIA+.Must Read Stories