BAFTA head says awards not diverse enough

LONDON - The head of the British Academy Film and Television Awards says its annual ceremony does not feature more ethnic minority nominees because the film industry itself is not diverse enough.

Amanda Berry says she supports a peaceful protest against the lack of diversity outside the star-studded event, being held in London on Sunday.

Berry told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that not enough movies are made with diverse talent so “the pool of people to draw award winners from isn’t diverse enough.” She added that “people can only vote on what they’ve seen.”

Her comments follow a controversy surrounding racial diversity at the Oscars.

Two black actors have been nominated for BAFTAs this year: Idris Elba for best supporting actor and “Star Wars” actor John Boyega for a rising star award.

AP