It was a great night at the Royal Festival Hall yesterday where Hollywood and British Cinema came together to celebrate the best of the year’s movies.
The show had all the glamour you would expect, but for me, what stood out was the humour and self-deprecation that is sometimes lacking in the overly self-important Oscars.
Here, then are some thoughts.
HIGHLIGHTS
David Tennant as the Host for the Second Time
David Tennant returned to hosting duties and did not disappoint. He was brilliant. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a dog with him like last time, but instead he performed a spectacular monologue and performance of the Scottish classic “Five hundred miles.” He got stars sitting in the audience such as Coleman Domingo, Anna Kendrick, James McAvoy to name a few to join in the fun.
His presenting throughout was funny and natural. He made things move along efficiently and his master of ceremonies job was better than last year’s.
EE Rising Star Award Speech – David Jonsson
To be honest, I didn’t really know who he was, but I am going to start watching more of his movies now. His speech was nice and short and because it was not overly emotional it was even more powerful. His feeling that, “nights like these weren’t for the likes of me” hit home and he ended his speech by saying that his award was for all “the dreamer’s, the grafters and the people who are trying things a little bit differently.” Words that resonated strongly with me.
BAFTA Fellowship Award – Warwick Davis
Before Tom Felton awarded Warwick Davis his award, he gave a speech about how his Harry Potter Professor had taught him a few important lessons in life. The last one was “Don’t ever let being small stop you from dreaming big. In a world where you can be anything; just be yourself”
Warwick speech was brilliant, heartfelt and funny and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time he was done. He left with one final thought “to anyone out there dreaming of telling their story or creating something meaningful, go for it, the world needs your vision. In future if you need an actor bring that vision alive, remember the little fella with the BAFTA!
He fully deserves this award and proves that being short in stature is no barrier to achieving great things in life.
NEGATIVES
TAKE THAT PEFORMANCE DIDN’T QUITE HIT THE HIGH NOTE
The Take That performance was quite underwhelming. I thought they sounded very shaky live. As much as I love the song Greatest Day, it had a strange remix that made it too disco for me. Mind you, they have never been the same since Robbie Williams left as far as I’m concerned.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS AWARD SHOULD HAVE GONE TO SELENA GOMEZ
Zoe Saldana deservedly won a BAFTA for Emilia Perez, but it should have been for Best Actress not the Supporting category. Zoe is in just about every scene of Emilia, whereas Selena Gomez stood out in the supporting role as the long-suffering wife of the presumed dead drug lord.
One other small complaint was that as much I love Zoe, her speech was very soppy, overindulgent and long.
SING SING SHOULD HAVE BAGGED A BAFTA OR TWO
This low budget Shakespearean prison drama is massively underrated. Yes, it has been nominated a lot in this year’s award season, but it remains a distinct outsider compared to its’s more high-profile rivals. I love this movie so much and I hope it gets more recognition so that it can build up a greater audience. Independent films often don’t have the budget to sell themselves to the voting members as much as more big budget productions that can propel momentum come award season. Just a thought.
SURPRISES
MICKEY MADISON WINNING BEST ACTRESS
This was a great surprise as I was positive it was going to be Demi Moore’s night. I was sure that veteran star Demi would end her years in the doldrums with a stunning comeback. My money is the Academy Members, who love a redemption story, will give her the Oscar come March. It was great Mickey won as I wanted someone completely different and unexpected to win, although I must admit I need to watch the film now! Her speech was quiet and modest, and I am glad that she recognised the sex worker community. This invisible industry needs more empathy and understanding. A great touch.
BRADY CORBET WINNING BEST DIRECTOR FOR “THE BRUTALIST”
Another surprise! Brady has come out of nowhere to earn the Auteur status for this epic drama examining the American dream. I think The Brutalist was helped by the drama surrounding Emilia Perez and the backlash over the controversial comments made by its star Sofia Gascon. Jacques Audiard can count himself unlucky to not win the BAFTA as Director of Emilia as it is an amazingly original feature. I will watch out for future works from both Directors.
BEST FILM WAS CONCLAVE
Another surprise of the night. I thought that the Brutalist was going to win, but maybe the British connection that Conclave had turned the tide. The production team was largely British as was the writer and it starred legend Ralph Fiennes.
I don’t think anyone there begrudged the BAFTA going their way.
Overall, it was a great night. Roll on the Oscars.