London paid tribute to the world of show business this weekend with the 69th Bafta awards ceremony. The event was the stage for celebration, celebrity and even a little controversy.
After his performance in The Revenant, it is no surprise that Leonardo DiCaprio was awarded for his efforts with his first ever Bafta award for Best Actor. DiCaprio had been nominated three times previous for his works in The Aviator, The Departed and The Wolf Of Wall Street but had never been successful in securing the coveted win. DiCaprio was grateful for his award and he remains a favorite to come out on top at the Oscars at the end of the month. The Revenant dominated the ceremony going on to win best film, sound, cinematography and director.
Kate Winslet also took the spotlight winning a Bafta for her role in Steve Jobs where she plays Joanna Hoffman, Jobs assistant and confidante. This award marks her third Bafta victory, her prior wins coming from Sense and Sensibility and The Reader. Winslet went on to reveal a surprising event in her childhood “I was told by a drama teacher that I might do ok if I was happy to settle for the fat girl parts.” Winslet fought adversity and look where she is now, she encouraged the young women of today to do the same. Winslet stated that 2016 has been an ‘extraordinary year for women’
With the return of Star Wars and the successes Force Awakens garnered, it comes as no surprise that it should earn the special effects award. Yet newcomer John Boyega who played turncoat stormtrooper Finn, earned the rising Star award, the only award where the public has chief input. The actor went on to joke “I haven’t been doing this for a long time – it’s a fluke,”
The best actress award went to Brie Larson for her performance in Room. The actress who was not present to accept won out over Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, Saoirse Ronan and Maggie Smith.
The Apocalyptic action movie Mad Max: Fury Road was another standout on the awards list winning the costume, editing, production and makeup and design awards.
This year’s award season has been shaken by the lack of diversity in this year’s line-ups and London’s Baftas did not escape the controversy. Despite the fact that two black actors had been nominated a protest was held outside the Royal Opera House where the event took place by the Creatives of Color Network. The group stated that the nominations of only two black actors were not satisfactory and that it had to change.