The 2024 BAFTAs made a welcome return last night and was overall an amazing showcase of the best in cinema at home and from around the world. Poor Things and Oppenheimer cleared the floor with five and seven wins respectively. Barbie was the biggest loser and although being the highest grossing movie last year it didn’t win any awards, albeit receiving five nominations. The other big winner was the German language film Zone of Interest, which interestingly won Outstanding British film as well as Film not in the English language, which must be a first.
These are my top 10 reflections on BAFTAs 2024.
- 1) David Tennant (host) was exceptional.
Multi award winning David Tennant, hosted the 2024 ceremony celebrating last year’s finest movie moments. He was very funny and not too fawning and starstruck with the celebrities. On the red carpet he got asked if there will there be a potential outfit change before the show and he replied that the one he was wearing will end in a dumpster at the back of the royal festival hall, which was very witty. The opening credit skit was hilarious that had lots of great actors and comedians joining in and make fun of themselves. Most of the jokes hit, however one that didn’t was his joke about the writers’ and actor’s strike, which was probably a bit close to home. Wearing two outfits added style to the proceedings and he rocked wearing a kilt which was a nice nod to his Scottish heritage.
- 2) Sophie Ellis Bexter performing “Murder on the Dancefloor”.
This song has been in Top Ten chart for a couple of months due to the final scene in the controversial movie Saltburn. It is a great song don’t get me wrong, however I thought that Sophie Ellis Bexter was slightly underwhelming in her performance. It wasn’t that spectacular. It did cut back to Barry Keoghan, the star of Saltburn who seemed to enjoy the song.
- 3) Paul Mescal talking about Gladiator 2 and that he has filmed it and that he fights baboons in the film.
Before the show started and on the red-carpet Paul Mescal was talking about being in the new Gladiator 2 film and how it’s in the post production stage. It is the talk of the town if you are fans of Paul Mescal and he even stated that he will be fighting baboons in the film. The roman sequel is hotly anticipated so it was good to get some insight into it.
- 4) Robert Downey Jr speech.
His acceptance speech was witty and wholesome at the same time. He began by saying “ I am going to tell you my entirety of my life in 30 seconds,” which included his admiration for British actors.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc7kAk5GO2M)
- 5) Nick Mohammad who played Nat in Ted lasso. (stage name: swallow) Motivational speech
BAFTA tried to make another Skit where Nick Mohammad played a character called swallow and was on stage for a couple of minutes to entertain the crowd. This was lost on audience and it killed the momentum of the show. Definitely was the cringe moment.
- 6) Hannah Waddington singing whilst we recognised people who died last year.
Beautifully sung with images of those in the industry who had passed away. Very moving and good to remember those who had entertained us in the past.
- 7) Fellowship award (Samantha Morton)
Morton who is having and had a massively successful TV and film career in shows such as Fantastic Beasts, Walking Dead, The Whale, was the person of this year’s BAFTA fellowship award. This was well deserved and she had the crowd spellbound while telling how she grew up in the care system, she told audiences how it important it was for the disadvantaged to be represented in film and TV. She also stated which was quite moving that she would tell her younger self “You matter. Don’t give up, the stories we tell, they have the power to change people’s life”.
- 8) EE award winning – Mia Mckenna Bruce
It was nice to see that Mia Mckenna Bruce winning the EE award which is the only award voted by the public. Her new film How to have sex has had amazing write up from fans and critics. Her speech was authentic, sweet and to the point which was great to see. She also thanked the makers of her recent film, saying how it had helped her and other cast members feel seen.
- 9) Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant deadpan preamble presenting an award was so unfunny. He was presenting the Best director award but came up with a rhyme. He stated “Oompa-loompa, doompity-dee, now the best director categor-ee, Oompa Loompa doompity-dong, most of these films were frankly too long, Oompa Loompa doompity daa, but for some reason, the nominees are…” This was a reference to him playing an Oompa Loompa in the hit film Wonka, but his delivery made him seem like just a grumpy old man.
10) Michael J Fox presented Best Film and was a moment to savour this huge star from the 1980’s who has battled Parkinsons.
Most people didn’t know that Michael J Fox was going to make an appearance last night. It was great to see the Back to the Future legend. There was a massive standing ovation for the superstar, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and there wasn’t a dry tear in the house.
Overall, a great show, not to long and bereft of the over-sentimentality that haunts the Oscars. It looked like everyone in the Royal Festival Hall was enjoying themselves and this transmitted itself to the viewer at home. Well done BAFTA.
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