There’s been no shortage of drama leading up to this evening, with BAFTA president Prince William, who was set to appear on both nights of the awards, dropping out following the death of his grandfather, Prince Philip. Saturday’s broadcast of the craft prizes was also delayed by an hour to accommodate schedule changes from the BBC’s coverage of the Duke of Edinburgh.Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” dominated at the BAFTA Film Awards, where the Frances McDormand-led road movie picked up four prizes, including best film.
The Searchlight-produced movie also won for lead actress, cinematography and director, putting it well ahead of all other films.
Hosted by Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary, the second night of the BAFTAs awarded 17 prizes in total, with presenters joining from the Royal Albert Hall in London, where the physical awards are usually held annually, as well as Los Angeles. All nominees participated virtually.
The 2021 event marks a historic turning point for the BAFTAs. They are the first edition to take place since the organization’s groundbreaking diversity review, which was carried out following last year’s #BAFTAsSoWhite scandal.
There’s been no shortage of drama leading up to this evening, with BAFTA president Prince William, who was set to appear on both nights of the awards, dropping out following the death of his grandfather, Prince Philip. Saturday’s broadcast of the craft prizes was also delayed by an hour to accommodate schedule changes from the BBC’s coverage of the Duke of Edinburgh.
A brief tribute was paid to the 99-year-old Prince Philip, BAFTA’s first president, before delving straight in to the prizes.
Altogether, this year’s awards, including Saturday’s craft prizes, were generally spread out among a large group of films. “Promising Young Woman” won two awards (outstanding British film, original screenplay), alongside “Rocks” (casting, EE Rising Star Award), “Soul” (animation, original score), “Sound of Metal” (sound, editing), “The Father” (actor, best adapted screenplay) and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (costume, make-up and hair).
Others picking up golden masks included “Minari,” which won best supporting actress for Yuh-Jung Youn, who delivered the most candid acceptance speech of the evening, noting that “every award is meaningful, but this one, especially recognized by British people, known as very snobbish people.”
Other standout wins included “His House” director Remi Weekes’ win for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer.
“This is for the immigrants, migrants and asylum seekers — the Black, Brown and Queer people who have nurtured me and lifted me up in my life. I look forward to doing the same in return,” said Weekes.
Bukky Bakray, this year’s recipient of the prestigious EE Rising Star Award, spoke eloquently about the indie film and why it has captivated audiences the world over. “When you look at a ‘Rocks’ narrative, it’s not flashy, it’s not crazy, there’s no guns, there’s no stunts. Even though I love films that have that, this film is minimalist. it really focuses on life and human nature and humanity.”
The BAFTA Fellowship, the organization’s highest honor, was presented by “The Undoing” star Hugh Grant to Ang Lee, who reflected on his experiences in the U.K., noting that “‘Sense and Sensibility’ was like a second education to me.”
(Excerpt) Read more in: Variety