Nathalie Emmanuel slams UK film industry for lacking better roles for actors of color

The human race has often been divided and fought amongst themselves throughout history. Sometimes they fight over religion, color, money, and throne (like in Game of Thrones). Minorities are often subjected to stereotypes and discrimination, even in the film industry that serves as the window to the whole wide world. Though times are changing, and people of different colors and races are working together to cast off these differences, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done. And Game of Thrones alum Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei) thinks that the UK film industry is largely failing to represent actors of color on screen as compared to the US.

In a recent interview, Emmanuel told the podcast The Way We Are With Munro Bergdorf, that there are few acting opportunities for people of color in the UK, other than side roles such as “best friends” or “receptionists”. She explained her concern, “We lose so much Black and brown talent to the States because the British industry just doesn’t hold space in a meaningful, significant way. It’s frustrating.”

She added, “Even now some British Black people I know in the industry who have played lead roles in the US have come back to the UK and the parts they are being asked to audition for are just minor. We are still battling that. I don’t see that happening to my white counterparts.”

Game of Thrones celebs have often supported the cause to provide a better environment for people of color. Do you think the UK is falling behind in representing people of color on-screen? Talk to us in the comments below!

 

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