In case you didn’t know, because it wasn’t hailed as a big event anywhere much but the UK this year, but the BAFTA’s were held over the weekend. That’s the British Academy of Film and Television Awards.
It was an excellent show, which I watched in a hotel room recovering from eating far too much and following it with York brewed ale. Nice. Stephen Fry is the funniest man and presented extremely well, although his sharp humour was often lost on those not from the UK.
The winners? Well you will remember the nominees, so to be brief, here they are:
Best film: The Aviator
Best British film: My Summer of Love
Best actor in a leading role: Jamie Foxx – Ray
Best actress in a leading role: Imelda Staunton – Vera Drake
Best actor in a supporting role: Clive Owen – Closer
Best actress in a supporting role: Cate Blanchett – The Aviator
Original screenplay: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Adapted screenplay: Sideways
The David Lean Award for achievement in direction: Mike Leigh – Vera Drake
The Carl Foreman Award for special achievement by a British Director/Producer or Writer in their first feature film: Amma Asante – Director/Writer (for A Way of Life)
Best film not in the English language: Diarios de Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries)
The Anthony Asquith Award for achievement in film music: The Motorcycle Diaries
Cinematography: Collateral
Editing: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Production design: The Aviator
Costume design: Vera Drake
Sound: Ray
Achievement in special visual effects: The Day After Tomorrow
Make Up and Hair: The Aviator
Short animation film: Birthday Boy
Short Film: The Banker
Orange Film of the Year (public vote): Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
…and for those of you who want reminded of the what they were up against, simply check out the BAFTA site itself. Some more observational comments to follow.
I’m so thrilled that the Bafta’s gave best original screenplay to Charlie Kaufman, i couldn’t believe it when he lost at the golden globes. it’s not just because i’m a big fan of his movies in general or because i loved Eternal Sunshine so much but because it really was the best screenplay written this year. it is a confusing plot yet when you watch the movie you know what’s going on. and most importantly the confusion you do experience doesn’t interfere with the emotions you feel for the characters. Since we see the story of Clementine and Joel’s love in reverse (i.e. we see the begining of their relationship the end). Therefore, it is fresh in our minds how great they are for eachother and how great the begining of relationships are. we are reminded that relationships are worth the risks, the pain, etc… it’s just a brilliant script! Kaufman is a genius not only for being able to keep this story straight in his head but for being able to tell a genuine love story at the same time. I hope he wins the oscar too, but i’m worried he won’t since he the academy has overlooked him in the past (he was nominated but didn’t win for Being John Malkovich in 1999 and Adaptation two years ago). oh well, i guess the awards aren’t that important as long as he keeps writing these great movies.
Aviator definately did not deserve to win. It isnt that good. Million Dollar Baby, Sideways, Hotel Rwanda and many more movies are Way better then it.
Looking forward to those Rich!
It was my first time to watch the BAFTAs on tv, almost always I get the news the day after online or on the news!
Yes, and that’s where the comments are going to come from. All written on the train home, just typing up now.
Stephen Fry was amazing! Juliette Lewis had to comment on his wonderful sense of humor.
I was glad that “The Aviator” won for Best Picture. Really disappointed that Di Caprio lost.