After taking the award for best supporting actor, Mark Rylance was asked to comment on the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Here's what he said:
I think African‑American actors are in a stronger position now, thanks a lot to what Chris Rock has done tonight and what the activists who have been raising the issue around this awards ceremony have said . . . So I hope that this awareness that's been raised very humorously by Chris tonight and angrily by other people, understandably, I hope that's going to create a lot more diversity. It's of course not just for the performers; it's a matter of audiences taking this on, it's a matter of audiences not just going out for the thrill or the safe bet, but taking a bet on more unusual films and more unusual plays that tell stories about issues or people who are in the minority in society. Wouldn't you think? Yeah. So I hope this will do a little bit more to change the story and diversify the stories that we listen to and watch.
