at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, the film that was a slam on Germany “All Still in the Western Front” was lauded with seven awards, which comprised Best Picture, further boosting its potential when the festival culminates at the Oscars later this month. The film was equally impressive was Irish dramaticomedy “The Banshees of Inisheron” and the rock biopic “Elvis” which won each of them four awards. For “All Still”, Edd Berger received the Best Director award alongside additional awards such as Adapted Screenplay the cinematography category, and Best Score, Best Sound and Best Film not in English. Austin Butler was also presented an unexpected prize.
The Tony Awards ceremony, Baz Lurhmann’s flamboyant musical “Elvis” was awarded trophies in casting, Costume Design, and Hair and Makeup. Cate Blanchett was presented with the Best Actress prize for Orchestral Drama “Tar”. Martin McDonagh’s movie “Banshees” in which he tells an edgy and darkly funny story of a friend who goes in a sour direction, won the Best British Film. McDonagh had joked that he’d been told about the prize and asked “Best advertising?” Despite having been filmed in Ireland using an Irish crew and cast, and getting British funds, McDonagh is a native of Britain and a child of Irish parents.
The equivalent to Hollywood’s Academy Awards, the EE BAFTA Film Ads were presented with Best Supporting Actor Awards. It was reported that the Academy Awards’ frontrunner, “Everything everywhere at Once”, was surprising to find it a bit low. The only one of its BAFTA nominations was awarded with editing. Alison Hammond and Richard E. Grant hosted the ceremony, which was held at the London’s Royal Festival Hall. The ceremony will offer us the first glimpse of potential Oscar nominations for March.
It is working to make the ceremony more welcoming. There are lots of things to take care of. In his opening monologue, the host Stephen Grant humorously addressed the well-known altercation with Will Smith and Chris Rock during the preceding Oscar ceremony. He said “Under my watch, I guarantee that no anyone will be punished tonight…with the exception of an acknowledgement on the back, naturally.” The celebrities on the list of guests on the red carpet as well as presenters were Colin Farrell, Ana de Armas, Eddie Redmayne, Brian ***, Florence Pugh, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Julianne Moore and Lily James. Prince William was present as well. He’s the president of the UK’s film and television academy.
William was accompanied by Kate in her black velvet tailored tuxedo. Kate was wearing an Alexander McQueen dress that she did at the BAFTAs. Helen Mirren honored William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II by paying tribute. She is awed by her portrayal of the Queen in addition to her portrayal in the film ‘The Audience’ Mirren described Elizabeth “the leader of the nation”. Britain’s Film Academy made changes to enhance diversity in their advertisements. The Academy did not nominate women as the best director for seven years in a row with all candidates for lead parts were female.
Eleven women directors were up to be considered for advertising across every category, from documentaries to as well as animated films. However, only one of the top Best-Director nominations was female: Gina Prince-Bythewood’s work on “The woman King”. Krishnendu Majumdar (chair of BAFTA) explained that reflection at the academy was a difficult and humble process prior to stating that it will be able to continue doing the “vital work” essential to provide an equal playing field. Ariana DeBose opened the show by performing “Sisters are Doing it for themselves” A rap in song that pays tribute to Michelle Yeoh and Cate Blanchett.
In Summary
The BAFTAs this year were amazing examples of cooperation, diversity and respect. The goal to the BAFTAs is to bring attention to the incredible talent Britain offers in both the film industry and beyond. The BAFTAs focused attention on not only William, Kate, Helen Mirren, but also the inequalities among the actors nominated for leading roles in film. This is the reason why the entire business should be more open to acknowledging people of different background. This way, we’ll become able to make the world we want to live in that is diverse and united.
