When the BAFTA nominations were released last month, we were disappointed to see that there were no nods for any non-white actors, or any women up for best director. But now, the UK wing of Times Up have compiled its own list, in order to give recognition to those the list have left out.
Dame Heather Rabbatts, chairwoman of the organisation, which campaigns for gender equality, said there were ‘glaring omissions’ in the nominations. (BAFTA has since said it will carry out a detailed review of its voting procedures after this year’s ceremony, which takes place on Sunday.)
‘Time’s Up UK wants to ensure we do not let these awards pass by without us raising the profile of those whose endeavours and performances have not made it to the nominations,’ Rabbatts said.
‘So, we are running a social media campaign which will highlight those who are absent and who we also want to see recognised. For example, exceptional female-directed films such as Atlantique, Booksmart, The Farewell, Harriet, Honey Boy, Hustlers, Little Women, The Nightingale, Queen & Slim and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire. Recall performances from Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lopez, Cynthia Erivo, Jodie Turner-Smith and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, and the performances by Michael B Jordan and Jamie Foxx in Just Mercy.’
‘This is not about taking away from the talent that has been nominated,’ she added. ‘We congratulate all of those nominated and we all know the hard work and total commitment to achieve this accolade.’
Members of Times Up UK have also shared their picks. Yesterday star Himesh Patel said he would have chosen to nominate Lee Jung Eun in the best supporting actress category for Parasite and Tzi Ma in the best supporting actor category for The Farewell. Carey Mulligan said she would nominate director Lorene Scafaria for her work on Hustlers, while Gemma Arterton said she was a fan of Booksmart. ‘I loved Booksmart and can’t believe it didn’t get any nods, especially for the acting and first-time director (Olivia Wilde),' she said. 'Same goes for The Nightingale and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire.’
The alternative nominations will be shared on the Time’s Up UK Instagram over the next week.
READ MORE: The BAFTA Nominations Are Here And There Are No Nominations for Non-White Actors