Prince William congratulates Joaquin Phoenix in BAFTA awards

Prince William, who is the president of BAFTA, congratulated actor Joaquin Phoenix on his BAFTA-winning performance in Joker, and told the Oscar-favourite that he 'absolutely loved' the film. He met the actor at Sunday's ceremony.

According to People, he told Phoenix, "Lovely to meet you. I absolutely loved The Joker. It was brilliant. I put it off and put it off before watching it, as people kept telling me 'be careful when you choose to watch it.' I'm glad I did not watch it before bed, but huge congratulations on an amazing performance."

Both William and Phoenix made speeches at the ceremony, highlighting the lack of diversity in the acting categories.

"We find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to address diversity in the sector. That cannot be right in this day and age," he said. He added, "I must admit I don't know whether I should be proud, or slightly alarmed, about the number of winners over the last decade who have portrayed members of my own family."

Phoenix has been sweeping the awards circuit for his acclaimed performance in the dark comic book thriller. He has won the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Golden Globe, in addition to his BAFTA win. Phoenix is the hot favorite to win the Best Actor award at February's Oscars.