Lack of black BAFTA nominees 'ridiculous', says Blue Story director Rapman
The director of Blue Story says the lack of black BAFTA nominees is "ridiculous" amid criticism of the diversity in this year's film awards.
On Twitter #BAFTASSoWhite started trending after it was revealed the awards feature all-white nominees in the four main acting categories, with no female directors being recognised.
Director Rapman said that BAFTA had "done Blue Story dirty" after his film failed to attract any nominations other than Micheal Ward's inclusion on a rising star shortlist. He added: "The lack of black faces is ridiculous."
The film, which is a gang drama that follows the lives of two boys caught on opposite sides of a postcode war in London, is Rapman's directorial debut.
Actress Katie Leung, who starred as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, also criticised the awards for their lack of diversity.
BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry expressed regret at the lack of diversity among the nominations.
She added that she had been encouraged by the diversity of the EE rising star award nominees, which was announced on Monday and includes Awkwafina, Jack Lowden, Kaitlyn Dever and Kelvin Harrison Jr alongside Blue Story's Ward.
She said: "The group was a much more diverse group of actors and again that is talent at the start of its career, so we are seeing these changes coming through."