The BAFTAs – it’s one of the biggest nights in the movie industry calendar and a culmination of talent from around the world.
Held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the incredibly talented and hilarious Joanna Lumley took over from Stephen Fry as host, putting an end to his 12-year run. Lumley put a new spin on the awards celebration, and her hosting was a particularly apt show of ‘girl power’. Many actresses, including Jennifer Lawrence, Angelina Jolie and Margot Robbie, wore black in a show of solidarity for the MeToo and Time’s Up movements.
Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya won the coveted EE Rising Star prize; the only award voted for by the public. Kaluuya appeared surprised at the win, attributing his success to his mum who is, “the reason why I started, the reason why I’m here and the reason why I keep going” – what a gentleman!
Salma Hayek’s appearance did not disappoint either. Presenting the award for best actor, she said jokingly, “In this very important and historical year for women, I am here on this legendary stage to celebrate men”, a remark met by cheers of approval from the industry leaders seated in the audience.
Having introduced the nominees, Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Kaluuya, Jamie Bell and Gary Oldman, she opened the envelope to reveal the winner as Frances McDormand?! “Nahh just kidding!” Hayek joked in her throwback to that moment from the Oscars last year, revealing the real winner to be Gary Oldman.
While Guillermo Del Toro won Best Director for his romantic fantasy The Shape of Water, it was the night of Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri which took home Best Film. Three Billboards also garnered Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell) and Best Actress (Frances McDormand).
McDormand’s Best Actress speech was memorable to say the least! As one of the few stars not wearing black on the red carpet, she wasted no time in addressing the fact saying, “I have a little trouble with compliance”, pointing to her red dress, “but I want you to know I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black.” McDormand also referenced the way that Three Billboards has been used to create political statements in the real world, like the recent stunt of three billboards demanding justice for the Grenfell Tower fire being driven through London the previous week.
Now with the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes done for the year, the biggest awards ceremony on the Hollywood calendar will soon be upon us; the Academy Awards. With no major surprises occurring at the BAFTAs, chances are that the Best Actor awards will yield no differences at the Oscars. However, Best Film could be a different story; Shape of Water or even Get Out may still snag the award from Three Billboards.
The Academy Awards will take place on Sunday 4th March, so mark your calendars for another huge celebration of cinema.
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