Joaquin Phoenix condemned the lack of diversity in the ceremony as he collected the Leading Actor award for his role in Joker.
He said: “I feel conflicted, because so many of my fellow actors, who are so deserving, don’t have that privilege.
“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.”
Host Graham Norton added to the message with a sardonic joke, saying: “I think 2019 will be remembered as the year white men finally broke through – we did it!
“I mean, 11 nominations for Joker, which is about a white man, who makes himself even whiter.”
The Duke of Cambridge also addressed the lack-of-diversity issue before presenting Kathleen Kennedy with the Bafta Fellowship.
Prince William said: “Bafta take this issue seriously, and following this year’s nominations, have launched a full and thorough review of the entire awards process.”
It wasn’t the only serious subject joked about, as an absent Brad Pitt crammed gags about Brexit and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into a speech read out by Margot Robbie.
Brad, who won Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon A Time, cried off due to “family obligations” but said via Margot: “Hey Britain, heard you just became single, welcome to the club,” – a reference to Brexit and his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
Collecting Brad’s trophy, she added: “He’s going to name this Harry because he’s really excited about bringing this back to the States with him.”
The EE British Academy Film Awards took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Laura Dern collected the Best Supporting Actress award, saying: “When I was six years old, my mother received this very award, thanks to Mr Scorsese. It sat on our piano.
“My friend said to me, what’s that mask? And I told him my mum told me that it’s what friends give you to congratulate you because you get to have the job you love.”
