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LONDON (AP) — The politically charged thriller "One Battle After Another" secured six awards, including Best Picture, at the British Academy Film Awards
on Sunday, enhancing its prospects ahead of the upcoming Academy Awards in Hollywood. Other notable films included the vampire epic "Sinners" and the gothic horror tale "Frankenstein," each winning three awards, while the Shakespearean drama "Hamnet" received two, including Best British Film.
Awards and Recognitions
Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," which depicts a group of revolutionaries in conflict with the state, garnered accolades for directing, adapted screenplay, cinematography, and editing, along with a supporting performance award for Sean Penn as a military officer.Upon receiving the directing award, Anderson expressed his gratitude, stating, "This is very overwhelming and wonderful," and honored his late assistant director, Adam Somner, who passed away from cancer shortly after production began.
Anderson further highlighted a significant quote from Nina Simone used in the film, saying, "I know what freedom is: It’s no fear. Let’s keep making things without fear. It’s a good idea."
Acting Awards
Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress award for her role as Agnes Hathaway in "Hamnet," marking her as the first Irish performer to achieve this honor at the BAFTAs.In a surprising turn, Robert Aramayo clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in "I Swear," a British indie drama focused on a Tourette's syndrome advocate. Aramayo expressed disbelief at his win, stating, "I absolutely can’t believe this. Everyone in this category blows me away."
Star-Studded Ceremony
The awards ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall attracted numerous Hollywood and British celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Stone, among others. The event was hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the ceremony, just days after a scandal involving William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested over allegations related to sensitive government information.
Despite the surrounding controversies, William and Kate's presence underscored their popularity as representatives of the monarchy, with William presenting an award as the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
BAFTA's Role in the Oscars
The EE BAFTA Film Awards often serve as a precursor to the Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15 this year. "Sinners" leads with 16 Oscar nominations, while "One Battle After Another" follows with 13."One Battle" entered the BAFTAs with 14 nominations, while "Sinners" had 13 and "Hamnet" received 11 nominations. Other films like "Marty Supreme" and "Frankenstein" also received multiple nominations, with the latter winning awards for production design, costume design, and makeup.
Documentary and Special Awards
The Best Documentary award went to "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," which follows a Russian teacher documenting propaganda in schools following the invasion of Ukraine. Director David Borenstein remarked, "Whether it’s in Russia or the streets of Minneapolis, we always face a moral choice."Additionally, the Rising Star award, determined by public vote, was awarded to Robert Aramayo, while Donna Langley, chairwoman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, received the BAFTA fellowship.
The ceremony concluded with a performance by the animated band HUNTR/X from the box office hit "KPop Demon Hunters," who sang their popular song "Golden."
