BAFTA unveils new diversity committee after criticism for lack of minority nominees

After heavy criticism earlier this year for a lack of diversity among its award nominees, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts introduced a new committee Tuesday to review and fix issues stemming from its nomination process. 

In BAFTA's list of 2020 nominees, no women were nominated as best director for the seventh year running, and all 20 nominees in the lead and supporting performer categories were white.

A new "steering group" comprised of 13 BAFTA board and committee members, staff and other industry figures will undergo a "rigorous review process" of the organization's practices. Current BAFTA members are also invited to participate. 

"BAFTA is committed to driving positive change in the entertainment industry and is constantly reviewing its policies across membership, nominations and voting processes to ensure these are fit for purpose," a press release from the organization read. BAFTA will also review "the makeup of BAFTA’s membership and ultimately how these processes and conditions might be improved with solutions can help drive positive change in the wider industry."

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The new committee comes a few months after the awards show was criticized for the absence of minority talent in the top four acting categories.

Awards organizers at the time called it "disappointing" that there were no performers of color among the acting nominees, who are chosen by 6,500 academy members who work in the U.K. and international film industry.

"Harriet" star Cynthia Erivo, who won a Golden Globe for her starring role as Harriet Tubman, announced in January she had turned down an invitation to perform during the award show after the nominations revealed an entirely white slate of acting nominees. 

While accepting his award for best actor, Joaquin Phoenix slammed the lack of diversity, saying it sent "a very clear message to people of color that 'You're not welcome here.' "

Prince William, the president of BAFTA, announced at the 2020 award ceremony in February that the organization and leaders "take this issue seriously" and have launched a "full and thorough review of the entire awards process."  

"Both here in the U.K.and in many other countries across the world, we are lucky to have incredible filmmakers, actors, producers, directors and technicians – men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities, enriching our lives through film," he said. "Yet, in 2020 and not for the first time in the last few years, we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process. That simply cannot be right in this day and age."

Contributing: Associated Press