Dad’s Army star Tom Courtenay: The Oscars are ageist not racist

Tom Courtenay has waded into the Oscars diversity row, claiming that the Academy is ‘ageist’.

The actor, whose 45 Years co-star Charlotte Rampling landed in hot for making comments about the controversy last month, claims that he didn’t get a nomination because of his age.

Speaking to Metro while promoting the new Dad’s Army film, the 75-year-old said:

“Because Michael Caine didn’t get one, we’ve been in the frame for one, Michael Caine and myself, and we’re both over 75.

“And we didn’t get a nomination so I think they’re ageist and not racist.”

Despite his own comments, Courtenay thinks that Rampling shouldn’t have publically remarked that the diversity argument in Hollywood was ‘racist to white people’.

He said: “[Her comments] were a tricky area to go to and it should have been left unsaid.”

Rampling, 69, has since apologised for her comments, saying in a stamen to CBS News’s Sunday Morning:

“I regret that my comments could have been misinterpreted this week in my interview with Europe 1 Radio.

“I simply meant to say that in an ideal world every performance will be given equal opportunities for consideration. I am very honoured to be included in this year's wonderful group of nominated actors and actresses."

She continued: "Diversity in our industry is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I am highly encouraged by the changes announced today by the Academy to diversify its membership."