Gugu Mbatha-Raw has given acclaimed but grossly overlooked performances in films such as Belle, Beyond the Lights and last year’s sci-fi flick, Fast Color. Now, the actress, who currently stars in Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, is speaking out on the lack of inclusivity in awards shows.

In a speech at the annual Newport Beach UK Honors event in London on Wednesday night, Mbatha-Raw, who was named a Breakthrough Artist, addressed the issue within the film and television industry.

“At this time, when many of our most high-profile ceremonies and very prestigious awards are potentially showing a very stark lack of inclusivity, being here and seeing what an incredibly diverse and wonderful talented group of people we have, it encourages me that those other ceremonies are not for want of talent,” she said. “This can be a discouraging business at times and we all need these moments to remember that we’re part of a community.”

Mbatha-Raw’s comments come in the wake of the controversy surrounding the BAFTA Awards’ all-white acting nominees and the Oscar’s mostly white acting nomination list and all-male list for Best Director. Following the nominations announcement, the hashtag #BAFTAsSoWhite began trending on social media.

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‘Fast Color’ Proclaims That Black Women Can Save The World If Given The Chance [Review]

Lorraine Toussaint, Saniyya Sidney Join Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Superhuman Drama ‘Fast Color’

Photo: Getty Images

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