The Bafta film awards on Sunday saw the success of two remarkable films – Conclave and The Brutalist. German director Edward Berger’s Conclave received top honors, taking home four awards including best film and best British film. This marked the first time a movie achieved both distinctions in the same year since the 2019 war drama, 1917. Conclave also secured wins for best adapted screenplay and best editing.
Brady Corbet, the US filmmaker behind The Brutalist, also had a triumphant night with four wins. Corbet was recognized as best director, while Adrien Brody earned the best actor award for his role as Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor, László Tóth. The film additionally won for best original score and cinematography.
Notable winners included Mikey Madison for best actress in Anora, Kieran Culkin for best supporting actor in A Real Pain, and Zoe Saldaña for best supporting actress in Emilia Pérez.
Anora, a film depicting the whirlwind romance between a New York stripper and a Russian oligarch’s son, had been gaining momentum as a potential Oscars contender. However, it walked away with awards for best actress and best casting at the Baftas.
Madison’s win for best actress surprised many, despite her outstanding performance in Sean Baker’s film. In her acceptance speech, Madison humorously remarked, “Wow, I really wasn’t expecting this. I probably should have listened to my publicist and prepared a speech!”
The rising star Madison, known for her roles in Better Things, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Scream, has now garnered significant attention for her lead role in Anora.
Acknowledging the sex worker community in her speech, Madison expressed her support and pledged to be an ally and friend to them.
Meanwhile, Demi Moore, acclaimed for her role in the body horror film The Substance, had been a frontrunner for best actress awards at recent ceremonies, including the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
Although Moore did not secure a Bafta win, she remains a strong contender at the upcoming Oscars, where Madison’s victory has added an element of intrigue.
The Substance, which centers on a TV aerobics presenter taking a black-market drug to transform her appearance, clinched the make-up and hair award at the Baftas. The film is anticipated to excel in the same category at the Oscars.
Conclave, featuring Ralph Fiennes and portraying a group of conniving cardinals in Rome electing a new Pope, led the nominations with 12 nods.
Berger expressed deep gratitude for winning best film, emphasizing the honor of receiving outstanding British film despite not being British himself. He highlighted the importance of creative British involvement in films of this category, quoting Leonard Cohen in concluding his speech.
Brody, accepting his best actor award, reflected on The Brutalist’s theme of leaving a meaningful legacy, while
In a star-studded night at the Baftas, the spotlight shone on the unexpected as diverse talents from the film industry claimed their well-deserved accolades. Among the luminaries gracing the event was the iconic tune “500 Miles,” with a stellar lineup featuring James McAvoy and Colman Domingo.
The awards ceremony unfolded in a manner befitting the unpredictability of the season, with no singular film dominating the proceedings. Instead, a sharing of the spoils took place, showcasing the breadth of talent across multiple cinematic endeavors.
Notably, the absence of British victors in the four acting categories marked the third consecutive year of such an occurrence at the prestigious British film gala. A notable trend that piqued curiosity and speculation within the industry.
Despite a slew of nominations, films like “A Complete Unknown,” the Timothée Chalamet-led Bob Dylan biopic, and the intriguing “Emilia Pérez,” a French production delving into the world of a Mexican drug lord seeking redemption, faced stiff competition on the night.
Controversy loomed over “Emilia Pérez” as unearthed social media posts by lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón stirred debate. Questions lingered on whether the unfolding saga would sway the film’s fate. However, with a commendable 11 nominations, the production clinched the coveted title of best international film, solidifying its place in the limelight.
The Bafta stage also witnessed the heartfelt acknowledgment of talent, with Kieran Culkin’s anticipated win for “A Real Pain” met with resounding applause. The actor’s absence was filled by co-star and film creator Jesse Eisenberg, who also clinched the award for best original screenplay with his poignant work exploring familial ties and heritage in “A Real Pain.”
In a poignant moment, actor and presenter Warwick Davis received the prestigious Bafta Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the British Academy. Davis humbly credited his late wife and devoted mother for shaping his career and supporting his endeavors.
The evening paid homage to departed legends of the industry in a touching In Memoriam segment, honoring luminaries such as Dame Maggie Smith, James Earl Jones, David Lynch, Dame Joan Plowright, and Donald Sutherland, whose contributions continue to inspire generations.
Dazzling displays of technical prowess were also celebrated, with Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune Part 2” clinching accolades for special effects and sound, while the blockbuster musical “Wicked” wowed audiences with wins for best production and costume design, a testament to the creative vision of Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales.
Animation enthusiasts rejoiced as Aardman’s “Vengeance Most Fowl” marked the studio’s first win for best animation, a crowning achievement in their illustrious career. The film’s profound message on respect for language and culture resonated with audiences, capturing hearts and minds.
The poignant portrayal of resilience and legacy in “Super/Man
