Take that, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Idris Elba was a presenter at the 2016 SAG Awards on Saturday, January 30, where he took aim at this year’s all-white slate of Oscars acting nominations.
The actor, 43, was on stage with Beasts of No Nation costar Abraham Attah to introduce footage for their film, which was nominated for best cast. At the start of his presentation, Elba made a reference to the recent discussion about diversity in Hollywood.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to diverse TV,” Elba said about himself and Attah, prompting laughter from the audience.
Elba nabbed two prizes at the ceremony, winning best supporting actor in a film for Beasts and best actor in a TV miniseries for his title role in BBC America’s Luther. He is the first male actor to win two individual SAG trophies in the same night.
The film, which focuses on a child soldier in an African civil war, did not receive any Oscar nominations, and some awards pundits have felt that Elba’s performance was snubbed. The lack of nominations for non-white actors this year has prompted fierce debate and even boycotts, leading the Academy to promise changes to its membership and voting process.
The evening’s group of SAG winners was a diverse bunch, including Queen Latifah, Viola Davis and the Orange Is the New Black cast.
Tell Us: What did you think of Idris Elba’s remark?
Beasts of No Nation is currently streaming on Netflix.
