"People of colour, you're not welcome here," says the Joker actor at BAFTA

Joaquin Phoenix who collected the best actor award for his work in the movie "Joker" has received praise for his speech on racism in the film industry.

Phoenix remarked about the all-white acting nominations and said that it clearly sends a message to people of colour.

Joaquin Phoenix's Bafta speech:

"I think that we send a very clear message to people of colour that you're not welcome here. I think that's the message that we're sending to people that have contributed so much to our medium and our industry and in ways that we benefit from.

"I don't think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment - although that's what we give ourselves every year. People just want to be acknowledged, appreciated and respected for their work.

"This is not a self-righteous condemnation because I'm ashamed to say that I'm part of the problem. I have not done everything in my power to ensure that the sets I was on are inclusive.

"But I think it's more than just having sets that are multi-cultural. We have to do really the hard work to truly understand systemic racism."

It is said that there was an uncomfortable silence in the hall during Jaoquin's speech.

"How to get away with murder" fame Actress Viola Davis who won the BAFTA in 2017 took to twitter to thank Joaquin. She said, "Thank you Joaquin Phoenix. For your honesty, solidarity, and courage".

The Walking Dead writer LaToya Morgan said, "This is how you use your time & platform. Well said, Joaquin. Well said."

Phoenix is likely to win the best actor at the Oscars next Sunday.

Prince William, the president of Bafta also spoke at the ceremony about the need for change and why this should be taken seriously.

Apparently there were no women nominated for best director in BAFTA for the seventh year in a row.