The British Academy Film Awards, or BAFTA Awards for short, are considered the "British Oscars" and the final yardstick before the real gold boys are awarded in Los Angeles. If it goes after that, the world war drama "1917" should already be a big winner on February 9th. The film by director Sam Mendes (54) was able to convert seven of his nine BAFTA nominations into prizes, including "Best Film" and "Best British Film" as well as for "Best Director" and "Best Cinematography".
"1917" also won for the sound, special effects and production design. Renée Zellweger (50) was honored as "Best Actress" for the drama "Judy", Laura Dern (52) won "Best Supporting Actress" for "Marriage Story". The counterpart of the men was again able to dust off Brad Pitt (56) for "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood".
The star, who already shone as a joke at past awards ceremonies, indirectly managed this again at the BAFTAs.
Because he could not be there due to "family matters", his co-star Margot Robbie (29) was given the task of reading Pitt's acceptance speech. In the presence of Prince William (37) and Duchess Kate (38), she read a "Brexit" joke from a piece of paper: "Hey, Great Britain! I heard that you are single again. Welcome to the club!" And Pitt also had a punchline ready for the "Megxit": He wanted to name his award Harry – because he was "excited to take him back to the States".
Critical acceptance speech
The most memorable moment of the event was provided by Joaquin Phoenix (45), who was honored as "Best Actor" for his performance of the "Joker". During his acceptance speech, he loudly criticized the British event, which in his eyes again lacked any diversity among the nominated artists.
"I feel torn," said Phoenix when he won his award. "So many of my fellow actors who would also deserve it don't have the same privilege. I think we send a clear message to people with different skin tones that they are not welcome here."