Richard E. Grant was the host with the most, there were a couple of unexpected winners, and politics were prevalent on the red carpet and in the remarks. Here are some of the BAFTA Film Awards’ talking topics.
With two hosts and a new venue, the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards honoured the year’s best films, actors, and filmmakers.
The German anti-war film All Quiet On The Western Front won half of its 14 honors, and the best actor award went to Austin Butler of Elvis instead of Colin Farrell of The Banshees Of Inisherin.
With a plethora of movie stars, more fashion than you can shake a stick at, and some of the film industry’s largest movers and shakers in attendance, here are some of the BAFTA Film Awards’ other major talking points.
Batmobiles, smacks, and sausage fingers
There were numerous humorous moments throughout the evening, including a skit in which co-host Richard E. Grant laughed with Hollywood comedy legend Steve Martin on Zoom before hopping into a Batmobile to present the awards at the new venue, Elizabeth Hall on London’s Southbank.
And Grant then continued his comedy routine on stage, donning a long, white cape and calling himself a “fashion icon” to deliver a joke about “late trains”, followed by a joke about last year’s Oscars – telling the audience: “Nobody on my watch gets slapped tonight,” before slapping himself, twice (a reference to Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at last year’s Oscars).
Grant also wore two watches to the ceremony, a nod to the complicated timings of the show tonight.
Grant’s co-host Alison Hammond conducted backstage interviews with the stars in a separate studio, in what some have called the most unlikely coupling since glamour model Samantha Fox and Mick Fleetwood hosted the Brits in 1989 (Google it if you’re too young to remember – spoiler alert).
Her daytime-TV sofa hosted Helen Mirren, Austin Butler, and a Spice Girl (Geri Halliwell). Hammond entered the auditorium for the night’s final three big awards and chatted throughout the event.
Troy Kotsur, the winner of last year’s award for the best-supporting actor, also provided some laughs on stage by donning a large, flexible glove and waving to best supporting actress nominee Jamie Lee Curtis in the manner of Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.
A segment you have not seen on television…
Despite the evening’s brilliance, there was a minor hiccup, and let’s face it: everyone adores a mistake.
As Oscar-winner Kotsur announced the second prize of the evening – best supporting actress – via sign language, the translator’s miscommunication led to Carrey Mulligan’s name being incorrectly pronounced for her performance in She Said.
Kerry Condon, star of The Banshees Of Inisherin, was swiftly announced as the winner, and she proceeded to receive her award after the announcer quickly corrected the mistake. At the event, it was explained to the press that while Kotsur and the British Sign Language (BSL) translator got it correct, the American Sign Language (ASL) translator made a mistake.
Richard E. Grant, the host of the event, quipped later that he had a defibrillator for Mulligan.
With Carrey and Kerry in the same category, it is simple to see how a mistake could occur under pressure. We all remember the Oscar mix-up where La La Land won best film instead of Moonlight. Due to a TV delay and editing, this error did not make it into the broadcast.
A political tinge to the evening
The first award of the evening, for the best-adapted screenplay, was also presented to All Quiet on the Western Front (a trend that persisted throughout the evening), with director Edward Berger paying tribute to the Ukrainian soldiers.
James Friend, the film’s cinematographer, stated that the film demonstrated how a generation of young German males was “poisoned by right-wing nationalist propaganda,” and he emphasized that the film’s message remains “relevant” nearly a century later.
The endeavor was “worth the wait,” according to screenwriter Ian Stokell because the film is anti-war.
The best documentary went to Navalny. Which follows Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his close crew through the months following his poisoning.
She stated that her father is aware of the BAFTA and Oscar nominations for the program and that “he told us to tell him all about it in the letters we were permitted to send.
The filmmakers state onstage that the documentary was created under “constant surveillance.”
Odessa Rae paid tribute to investigative journalist Christo Grozev. Who was unable to attend the ceremony due to a “threat to public safety.”
Rae stated, “He sacrificed everything to convey this and other important stories.”
Grozev tweeted subsequently, “Wow.”
Cate Blanchett, Michelle Yeoh, and Jamie Lee Curtis were among the celebrities who wore a blue ribbon to show their support for refugees and displaced people worldwide, including those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other events over the past year, such as the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Colin Farrell, Daryl McCormack, Paul Mescal, Bill Nighy, and Angela Bassett also wore blue ribbons to demonstrate their support.
A representative for the organization stated, “The wearing of the blue #WithRefugees ribbon on the red carpet conveys a powerful visual message that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has the right to seek safety.”
Is diversity once again an issue?
Following previous diversity-related controversies at the BAFTAs and the Oscars, representation is always a major discussion point during awards season.
This year, while the Oscars were criticized for not nominating any black women for best actress. The BAFTAs altered their voting process to assure a greater diversity of nominees across the board.
However, all four acting categories were won by white actors, which is likely to raise additional concerns. About whether enough is being done to improve the diversity and inclusion of our most prestigious award shows.
Live music among the snobs
Ariana DeBose began the evening’s performances by singing Sisters with an ensemble.
In a modern rap inspired by the 2023 BAFTA nominees, she named Michelle Yeoh, Viola Davis, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
While she wore a bright pink jumpsuit for her performance, the dress that DeBose wore on the red carpet was a bejeweled nude ensemble by Fendi that sparkled but left little to the imagination due to its sheerness and skin-colored bodysuit underneath.
DeBose later stated that she rarely views her performances back because she is “a bit critical” of herself. But was thrilled that “the British loved it.”
Little Simz and special guest singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, who displayed her impressive guitar skills live on stage. Performed the song Heart On Fire near the conclusion of the show.
Simz, speaking following the performance, stated. “This is my first time at the BAFTAs and performing alongside the legendary Joan Armatrading… Onstage, we have excellent chemistry… I wrote a composition titled Joan Armatrading when I was 17 years old, completing the circle.”
The singer Dylan performed Nothing Lasts Forever before the show’s final four prizes, bridging the gap between the pre-recorded majority of the program and the live presentation of the final three major awards: rising star, best actor and actress, and best film.
A tearful farewell – with one omission
This year’s In Memoriam section, hosted by Richard E., may be even more emotional. Grant choked up introducing the section honouring the year’s deceased actors and filmmakers.
Included in the segment were Angela Lansbury, Burt Bacharach, Anne Heche, William Hurt, Leslie Phillips, Olivia Newton-John, and Robbie Coltrane.
In 2021, Grant lost his wife, a dialect coach named Joan Washington.
Other celebrities who appeared visibly moved in the audience included Dame Emma Thompson. Martin Freeman, Naomi Ackie, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Bernard Cribbins, who starred in Railway Children, was omitted from the list of late actors, which left some viewers disappointed. Sally Thomsett, who played a child in the 1970 classic, tweeted that BAFTA “should be disgusted with themselves.”
In response to a Twitter user who queried why Cribbins wasn’t honored, a BAFTA spokesperson explained that “limited time” prevented the actor from being recognized during the broadcast and that he would be featured online “in memory.” Due to his television influence, Cribbins will be nominated for the next Television Awards.
It’s all about fashion.
Sandy Powell was the first costume designer to win the prestigious BAFTA fellowship award.
She dedicated her award to her first embroidery instructor, her mother, and all mothers globally.
Powell did it all in a stunning black and white tailored ensemble, proving that her victory was well-deserved.
