Some of the biggest names in Hollywood gathered in London for the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards Sunday night. Held at the Royal Festival Hall, the ceremony featured big wins and disappointment for the actors.
Alan Cumming opened the ceremony in an awkward monologue. He described this year’s mainstream movies as a great year for “daddy issues” films.
He later made a joke about the Trump administration: “It’s almost as though, I don’t know, there are events going on in the real world that are influencing filmmakers. Anyone know what I’m talking about? No. Ring any bells for you Americans, particularly?”
The attempt gathered little response from the audience. Needless to say, Nikki Glaser should’ve been on that stage instead.
“One Battle After Another” was the big winner of the night, winning six awards, including Best Film, the night’s prized award. It beat out films “Hamnet,” “Sinners,” “Marty Supreme” and “Sentimental Value.”
It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor, both of whom lost in their respective categories.
But their film, along with “Sinners,” owned the night. It seemed every award category went to one of the two.
“Sinners” won three awards, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Wunmi Mosaku, who gave a beautiful speech, thanking her past drama teachers for all their help. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler made history as the first Black winner of the award for Best Original Screenplay, which resulted in a standing ovation from the crowd.
Funny moments sprinkled throughout the awards. Cumming came back on for a bit that did not go as planned because Paul Mescal was on his phone. Mescal was supposed to do a gag, but missed his cue due to being distracted.
It shows actors are just like us, right? Real-life Paddington Bear came on to present the award for Best Children’s and Family Film, the category’s debut. He joked about being the first to get marmalade all over the trophy.
“I was going to lick it off, but apparently that’s not very good manners,” Paddington said.
Up-and-comer Robert Aramayo won the awards for Rising Star and Best Actor in a Leading Role for his star turn in Scottish biographical drama “I Swear” about a man living with Tourette’s syndrome.
Aramayo shouted out Ethan Hawke and other stars in his acceptance speech for leading actor.
“I can’t believe that I’m looking at people like you, and I’m in the same category as you, never mind that I’m stood here,” Aramayo said.
It should come as no shock that the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role went to Jessie Buckley for her performance in “Hamnet.” Her speech was empowering, dedicated to the women who were trailblazers, have inspired her and continue to do so.
Kate Middleton and her husband, Prince William, were in attendance. It was their first time attending together since 2023 due to Middleton’s cancer diagnosis. Prince William presented the fellowship award to British film executive Dame Donna Langley.
The BAFTAs offered humor, triumph and a strong showing of British talent. Aside from Cumming’s lackluster monologue, the artists who won truly did deserve their awards.
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