“Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Moments from the Bafta Film Awards”
With two major musicals in contention this year, host David Tennant kicked off the Bafta Film Awards with his rendition of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles, joined by Selena Gomez, Colman Domingo, Anna Kendrick, Hugh Grant, and Camila Cabello.
The ceremony saw Conclave and The Brutalist each winning four awards, keeping the energy high. Backstage, despite jet lag and hunger, the stars were in good spirits, though a few remarked on the weight of the Bafta trophy.
Here are eight highlights from the winners’ room:
Mikey Madison, star of Anora, accepted the best actress award, admitting she hadn’t prepared a speech. She jokingly blamed Robert De Niro, who advised her against writing a speech on The Graham Norton Show. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Madison expressed her gratitude and shared her love for filmmaking and acting.
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won two awards, with producer Richard Beek and directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham bringing their famous characters to the ceremony. Crossingham noted the success of their British stories in the US, highlighting specific British references that resonated with audiences.
Jesse Eisenberg, winning best original screenplay for A Real Pain, humorously questioned the weight of the Bafta trophy and shared his surprise at winning screenwriting awards in the UK. Reflecting on his background in playwriting, he joked about being a novelty in the UK compared to the US.
Eisenberg also discussed his co-star Kieran Culkin, who won best supporting actor.
As intimate as one might envision.
“Our relationship dynamic is such that I’ll send him a text today saying, ‘Hey, you won the Bafta, I’m so proud of you’. Then, three weeks later, my phone will buzz and it will be [Culkin saying]: ‘Hey, I just got this, thanks.'”
“That level of closeness is what you might imagine we have.”
Zoe Saldaña continued her successful streak during awards season in the best supporting actress category with another win at Bafta, despite the recent controversies surrounding her film Emilia Pérez.
Reflecting on her significant role in the Spanish-language musical El Mal, which is also nominated for best original song at the Oscars, she shared her experience backstage.
“The challenge was not getting in my own way,” she explained. “Sometimes, you can overthink things and become too analytical about it.
“What you need to do is trust the process… Rehearsing the dance was a way for me to reconnect with a part of myself that I had neglected for over 20 years.
“Revisiting that, clearing away the cobwebs, and venturing into the unknown was crucial.”
When asked about the significance of performing the musical in Spanish, she responded, “Spanish is my first language. I was first spoken to and sung to in Spanish.
“We love, we live, we fight, we work in Spanish. My art had previously only existed in a very English manner. So, the desire to merge my culture with my art was a meaningful journey for me.”
Warwick Davis received the prestigious Bafta Fellowship, the highest honor from the British Academy.
“This entire experience is very overwhelming,” he expressed. “You win the award, then you have to converse with numerous people, feeling quite shiny.” (At this point, everyone backstage was feeling sweaty.)
When asked about the moment he learned about winning this year’s award, Davis humorously mentioned, “I was on the toilet when I found out!
“[Bafta] informed me via email, and I tend to handle most of my administrative tasks in the bathroom. I might call it paperwork, but you’d get the wrong idea,” he quipped.
“Upon receiving an email from Bafta about winning the fellowship, I got all excited. However, a thought crossed my mind, was this a fake email? Some kind of scam?
“So, I clicked on the email address, and indeed, it was from Bafta. After finishing up in the loo—apologies for the detail—I went and celebrated with the kids.”
Adrien Brody’s reaction to winning best actor was slightly affected by his hunger. “I haven’t eaten anything yet, so I’m not entirely sure how I’m feeling, but I’m thrilled to be here,” he shared backstage.
When asked about the resurgence in his career due to The Brutalist, more than two decades after his last awards run for The Pian
Award-winning director Edward Berger expressed his deep gratitude and admiration for the warm reception he received in the UK while attending the prestigious event. The German filmmaker, known for his work on the acclaimed film “The Top Two Prizes Since 1917,” shared his desire to make the UK his permanent home. Berger likened the talented cast of the Pope drama “Conclave,” featuring stellar actors Stanley Tucci, Ralph Fiennes, and Isabella Rossellini, to a harmonious orchestra.
Reflecting on the success of the film and the collaborative efforts of the cast, Berger emphasized the unique dynamic that each actor brought to their roles, creating a cohesive and compelling ensemble. He marveled at the diverse mix of nationalities and accents within the cast, likening them to different instruments in a grand musical composition.
While Brady Corbet, director of the acclaimed film “The Brutalist,” was honored with the Best Director award, he humbly acknowledged feeling overwhelmed and fatigued from the demanding schedule of awards season. Despite the recognition and accolades, Corbet remained focused on his passion for filmmaking and expressed his eagerness to return to work after the whirlwind of ceremonies and events.
Corbet’s dedication to his craft was evident in the arduous journey of creating “The Brutalist,” a labor of love that spanned several years and required relentless effort and determination. The filmmaker’s commitment to his vision and the unwavering pursuit of his creative goals resonated with audiences, leading to the film’s success at the box office.
In a candid reflection on the challenges and triumphs of bringing his ambitious project to fruition, Corbet emphasized the importance of staying true to his artistic vision and trusting in the power of storytelling to captivate and inspire viewers. Despite the unconventional length of “The Brutalist,” a sprawling 3.5-hour epic with an intermission, Corbet remained steadfast in his belief in the value of original and daring cinema.
As the awards season drew to a close and the anticipation of the Oscars reached its peak, Corbet looked forward to a well-deserved break and a moment of respite before the final round of voting. With a sense of optimism and pride in his work, the director reflected on the commercial success of “The Brutalist” and the positive reception it had garnered from audiences worldwide.
In a nod to the resilience of independent cinema and the growing appetite for bold and innovative storytelling, Corbet expressed his gratitude for the support and enthusiasm surrounding his film. Embracing the spirit of creativity and originality, the filmmaker remained committed to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions in pursuit of meaningful and impactful storytelling.
As the curtain closed on another chapter in the world of cinema, both Berger and Corbet stood as shining examples of artistic vision and unwavering dedication to their craft. Their contributions to the industry served as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of creative expression on audiences around the globe.
