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Diversity row overshadows Bafta 2016 red carpet

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Press Trust of India London
The controversy over lack of diversity continues to overshadow this award season with celebrities like Sacha Baron Cohen, Bryan Cranston and Eddie Redmayne addressing the Oscars "so white" debate at the Bafta red carpet.

Cohen, best known for his films like "Borat" and "Bruno", admitted that there was an inherent prejudice in the film industry.

"I think there is an inherent prejudice in the film industry. The actual makeup of the films, the production staff, the directors and the actors are generally white and there needs to be greater diversity here and in America.

"I don't think it's that the members of the Academy are actually racist, I just don't think they are presented with enough films that are diverse," he said.
 

Reflecting on the film industry, Redmayne said, "It's quite a hard industry. And it takes time. But if you're passionate enough you'll do it."

Cranston also spoke out in support of the calls for diversity on the red carpet and said that "change needs to happen".

Actor John Boyega, who won the EE Rising Star (the only award at Baftas decided by public) trophy for his role in "Star Wars", also addressed the race controversy.

"I think it's important that the conversation around diversity carries on.

"keep talking and keep doing and that's something that we should definitely fixate on and I believe things will eventually change because I'm trying to work and nobody's going to stop me," he said.

"Force Majeure" star Eddie Izzard said, "We always want diversity... I am transgender so I'm all for diversity."

A campaign group staged a protest at the awards over the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry.

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First Published: Feb 15 2016 | 9:13 AM IST

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