As the BAFTA Film Awards took place in London, “Oppenheimer” took center stage. Michael J. Fox announced “Oppenheimer” as the winner of Best Film at the ceremony, which was hosted by David Tennant and ended with a standing ovation. Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Film for the entire crew were among the many awards the movie took home, including Nolan’s first Best Director BAFTA. The movie didn’t quite match the record set by “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” which won nine BAFTAs in 1969, even though it had the most nominations—13.
Major Wins for “Poor Things” at BAFTA
Out of 11 nominations, “Poor Things” by Yorgos Lanthimos won five BAFTAs, with Emma Stone taking home the Best Actress trophy. Out of nine nominations, Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” garnered three awards. But movies like “Barbie” and “Maestro” and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which had nine nominations, didn’t win any prizes.
Nominated for both “The Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of a Fall,” Sandra Hüller was not successful. Da’Vine For “The Holdovers,” Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress, and Emma Stone took up the Best Actress BAFTA. With her victory in a tough field, Stone prolonged the wait for the first Black Best Actress to be named. There were giggles during Stone’s acceptance speech when she thanked her mother and dialect coach.
Downey Jr.’s Reflective and Funny Speech
With a funny acceptance speech that reflected on his career and interactions with well-known people, Robert Downey Jr. delighted the crowd. Notably, Chris Nolan proposed a “understated approach” to restore his credibility after he played Tony for roughly 12 years in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Even though Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki weren’t present, “The Boy and the Heron”‘s victory for Best Animation Film was another highlight. The occasion gained significance when Samantha Morton, best known for her role in “The Walking Dead,” accepted the BAFTA Fellowship and dedicated it to underprivileged children.
