The Baftas have been blasted for lacking diversity after the shortlist for this year’s acting gongs was exclusively white.
Among the nominees are Margot Robbie, 29, who gets two nods in the supporting actress category, and Joaquin Phoenix, 45, nominated for best lead actor for his role in Joker.
But Andrew Onwubolu, the director of Blue Story, said the absence of black nominees was “ridiculous”. He added: “The only time black faces are seen in the Baftas is in the rising star category.
“It’s meant to be an award for British films, but all they ever seem to do is follow what they think will do well at the Oscars.”
He said Blue Story – about London gangs – “did enough to at least be nominated”.
Scottish actress Katie Leung, 32, who starred in the Harry Potter films, tweeted: “Zero PoC (person of colour) nominees in the acting category?!
"F is going on man.”
The nominees in most categories are voted for by 6,500 Bafta members. Chief executive Amanda Berry also blasted the all-male best director shortlist.
She said: “Being totally honest, we are disappointed.”
And Marc Samuelson, chairman of the Baftas’ film committee, said: “It’s infuriating, we can’t make the industry do something, all we can do is encourage and push.”
In a post on Twitter , Rapman wrote: " @BAFTA ‘s done Blue Story dirty!! Numbers, Impact, Critic reviews we ticked all boxes but we were still snubbed from all nominations.
"Minus the rising star list. The lack of of black faces is ridiculous. #whosonthepanel ".
The only nod for the film is for star Micheal Ward, who has landed on the shortlist for the Rising Star prize, which recognises an actor's talent rather than their role in a movie.
Rapman also retweeted a number of messages from others who were outraged by the lack of diversity among the nominees.
One read: "Absolute disgrace. A perfect opportunity to honour one of the highest quality - and most significant - British films of 2019. Shame on @BAFTA "
Another stated: "Those BAFTA nominations are beyond a joke. It’s not funny to ignore the creative efforts of women and PoC artists. It’s not a hashtag.
"It’s another reminder that this industry does not welcome or want us and does not think we are good enough."
