Meryl Streep has dismissed questions about the all-white panel at the Berlin Film Festival by telling reporters that "we're all Africans really".

Streep, who is heading the jury for the first time, said she was committed to equality and the inclusion of "all genders, race, ethnicities, religions".

"This jury is evidence that at least women are included and in fact dominate this jury, and that's an unusual situation in bodies of people who make decisions," The Iron Lady actress said.

"So I think the Berlinale is ahead of the game."

Image: Say Cheese! Clooney at Berlin Film Festival

Asked by an Egyptian reporter whether she understood films from the Arab world and North Africa, Streep said that while she did not know much about the region, "I've played a lot of different people from a lot of different cultures".


"There is a core of humanity that travels right through every culture, and after all we're all from Africa originally," she added.

"Berliners, we're all Africans really."

The questions were put to the triple Oscar winner as the debate about the lack of diversity among this year's Academy Award nominees continues.

Some stars are boycotting the 28 February ceremony because they believe the industry has overlooked talented black people.

The seven-member jury at Berlin will choose the winners of the Golden Bear and various Silver Bear awards at the first of the year's major European movie festivals.

The festival is opening with the Coen brothers' comedy Hail Caesar! starring George Clooney and Josh Brolin.

Eighteen movies are in contention for the Golden Bear prize at the festival, which is in its 66th year and runs from 11 to 21 February.