Last Sunday, Campion made an acceptance speech after winning Best Director for The Power of the Dog at the ceremony. She also won Best Director and Best Film for Power of the Dog at the BAFTAs on the same night.
During the speech, Campion compared her achievements to the Williams sisters. Both sisters were in the room at the time. They were supporting actor Will Smith who starred in King Richard, a film about their father and mentor Richard.
“Venus and Serena, you’re such marvels", Campion said in her speech. “However, you don’t play against the guys, like I have to".
Campion was subsequently criticised for comparing her achievements to the two black women.
The director had since released a statement.
“I made a thoughtless comment equating what I do in the film world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved. I did not intend to devalue these two legendary Black women and world-class athletes", she said.
“The fact is the Williams sisters have, actually, squared off against men on the court (and off), and they have both raised the bar and opened doors for what is possible for women in this world. The last thing I would ever want to do is minimise remarkable women. I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments are titanic and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologise and completely celebrate you".
