The prestigious 78th BAFTA film awards night was a sight to behold with a star-studded line-up of Hollywood A-listers and notable stars gracing the event. Hosted by the talented David Tennant for the second consecutive year, the evening was filled with excitement as the winners were unveiled. Among the big winners of the night were US actors Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison, who clinched top honours in the acting categories.
Adrien Brody, 51, earned the Best Actor award for his compelling portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect in The Brutalist, while the young talent Mikey Madison, 25, received the Best Actress award for her role in Anora, a film depicting the story of a sex worker who develops feelings for a Russian oligarch. The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, saw The Brutalist and the papal drama Conclave tying with four wins each, including notable categories like outstanding British film, best film, and editing.
The esteemed event was not without heartfelt moments as German director Edward Berger expressed his gratitude upon receiving the best film award for Conclave. Berger, acknowledging the seven-year journey to bring the film to fruition, praised the remarkable script by British writer Peter Straughan and the stellar performances of the cast members, including British actor Ralph Fiennes and Hollywood star Isabella Rossellini.
Moreover, Succession star Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana shone in the supporting actor categories, with Culkin winning for his role in the comedy drama A Real Pain and Saldana for her performance in the Netflix film Emilia Perez. The night also saw Warwick Davis, the renowned actor, receiving the Bafta fellowship award, as he emotionally paid tribute to his late wife and expressed gratitude to his children for their unwavering support.
Other notable winners of the evening included the animated film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which secured the children’s and family film award, and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, which impressed with the award for special visual effects. The ceremony also featured touching tributes during the In Memoriam segment, honouring revered industry figures who have passed away, with Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum adding a poignant touch by playing the piano onstage.
In the realm of music and animation, the Netflix film Emilia Perez and the beloved animated duo Wallace & Gromit garnered accolades in their respective categories. The compelling narrative of Emilia Perez, with 11 nominations, earned it the title of the best film not in the English language. In addition, popular productions like Wicked and Dune: Part Two were celebrated for their exceptional production design, costume design, and sound effects.
The evening culminated with David Jonsson clinching the EE Rising Star Award, an acknowledgment of his promising talent in the industry. As the curtain closed on the 78th BAFTA film awards, it was a night to remember, celebrating outstanding achievements in film and honouring the diverse talents that bring stories to life on the big screen.
Overall, the 78th BAFTA film awards were a testament to the talent and dedication of the film industry, showcasing a diverse range of productions and performances that captivated audiences worldwide. The event served as a platform to acknowledge the hard work and creativity of filmmakers and actors, reminding us of the transformative power of storytelling on the cinematic landscape.