Star Wars actor John Boyega has said he is “really sorry” for any misunderstanding over a comment he made about diversity at the Screen Nation Awards.
The diversity issue overshadowed this year’s Academy Awards and has sparked a continuing debate about the lack of screen roles for black and minority ethnic (BAME) actors.
“To complain about what is going on is not going to benefit us. It is not,” Boyega said after being awarded the male performance in film accolade.
“Be the change you want to be,” the 24-year-old stated in his acceptance speech. “Be the change. And continue and focus. Thank you so much.”
In a series of tweets on Sunday morning, the Londoner explained his position and apologised if he had offended anyone.
He was, he said, “full of emotion” at the time.
“I am not saying that complaints are invalid or should not be heard,” he tweeted.
The Londoner, who won a Bafta for his The Force Awakens role as Finn, continued: “Really feel bad for not clarifying and quite fearful that I’ve (sic) mislead many. I’m really sorry X”.
Most of the followers on his official Twitter account tweeted their support.
“I personally thought it was a great speech,” one person posted.
But another disagreed: “He needs to choose his words more carefully.”
The Screen Nation Awards, which took place in London on Saturday night, recognises emerging and established BAME talent.
Hosted by BBC London News arts correspondent Brenda Emmanus alongside comedian Kojo, the night saw Idris Elba’s Beasts Of No Nation walk away with the favourite West African International film award.
The male and female performance in TV award went to actors who starred in Sir Lenny Henry’s BBC drama Danny And The Human Zoo.
Newcomer Kascion Franklin was lauded for his portrayal of Danny Fearon, based on the Comic Relief comedian, and Cecilia Noble stole many scenes as Danny’s mother.
This Morning’s Alison Hammond was the recipient of the favourite female TV personality award, while former EastEnders actor Chucky Venn took home favourite male TV personality.
Among other Screen Nation Awards winners, E4′s Chewing Gum was awarded favourite comedy production and BBC’s The Interceptor won the diversity in drama production award.
The diversity in factual production award went to BBC2′s acclaimed Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners.
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