BAFTAS: 1917, directed by Sam Mendes, was the big winner with seven awards
1917 was the big winner but the talking point of the night was Joaquin Phoenix’s best actor acceptance speech | WATCH
The immersive World War I drama 1917, directed by Sam Mendes, was the big winner at this year’s BAFTAs, with seven awards, including best picture and best director.
But the talking point of the night was Joaquin Phoenix’s best actor acceptance speech for his role in Joker.
This followed widespread condemnation of the lack of diversity in this year’s nominations for the BAFTAs, presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Phoenix said he was “very honoured and privileged to be here because BAFTA has always been very supportive of my career.”
He added, “I also feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have that same privilege. I think we send a very clear message to people of colour that you’re not welcome here ...
“This is not a self-righteous condemnation,” Phoenix said, “because I’m ashamed to say I’m part of the problem.
“We have to really do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism. I think it is the obligation of the people that have created and perpetuate and benefit from a system of oppression to be the ones that dismantle it. So that’s on us.”
Joaquin Phoenix accepts his Leading Actor award for his performance in @jokermovie #EEBAFTAs #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/1nK49CjrJo
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 2, 2020
Prince William, who has been the President of BAFTA since 2010, told the ceremony it “simply cannot be right in this day and age” to be “talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process”.
This year’s nominations, voted on by more than 6000 members of BAFTA, excluded any non-white people from the main acting categories while, again, the best film and director categories were dominated by men.
The Duke of Cambridge said that while Britain’s film industry had “incredible filmmakers, actors, producers, directors and technicians, men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities enriching our lives through film”, many were being excluded.
“BAFTA takes this issue seriously, and following this year’s nominations, have launched a full and thorough review of the entire Awards process to build on their existing work and ensure that opportunities are available to everyone,’’ he said.
There were no surprises in the acting awards, which all went as predicted. Renee Zellweger took out best actress for Judy, Brad Pitt won best supporting actor for Once Upon A Time ... in Hollywood, and Laura Dern was voted best supporting actress for Marriage Story. Dern’s mother, Diane Ladd, won in the same category for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Any More in 1975
Pitt didn’t attend but sent a jokey acceptance speech, read out by his co-star Margot Robbie “Hey Britain — heard you just became single. Welcome to the club,” he said, one of several references during the ceremony to the UK’s exit from the European Union, which became official on the weekend. “Good luck with the divorce settlement.’’
Pitt also referenced recent tumult in Britain’s royal family, saying he was going to name the trophy Harry, “because he’s really excited about bringing it back to the States with him.”
Brad Pitt wins the Supporting Actor award for @OnceInHollywood but Margot Robbie was there to accept it on his behalf! 🌠🙠#EEBAFTAs #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/GHnkGiEZpI
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 2, 2020
Joker, which was nominated for 11 awards, took out three. Hildur Guðnadóttir won best original score, and the inaugural casting award went to Shayana Markowitz.
Among other winners, Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite took out best original screenplay and best film not in the English language. Taika Waititi won best adapted screenplay for Jojo Rabbit, in which a young German boy during World War II has Hitler as an imaginary friend.
1917, which tells the story of two young British soldiers sent on a dangerous mission to deliver a message, is filmed as if in a single take. It is a big box office hit, won best picture and best director at the Golden Globes, and looks to be frontrunner at next week’s Oscars.
THE AWARD GOES TO...
■ Best film: 1917
■ Outstanding British film 1917
■ Best director: Sam Mendes for 1917
■ Leading actor: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
■ Leading actress: Renee Zellweger for Judy.
■ Best supporting actor: Brad Pitt for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
■ Original screenplay: Parasite
■ Best documentary: For Sama
■ Rising star: Micheal Ward
■ Casting: Shayna Markowitz for Joker
■ Outstanding British contribution to cinema: Andy Serkis
■ Cinematography: Roger Deakins for 1917
■ Outstanding debut: Bait
■ Special visual effects: 1917
■ Best film not in English: Parasite
■ Best supporting actress Laura Dern for Marriage Story
■ Best editing: Le Mans ‘66
■ Production design: 1917
■ Costume design: Jacqueline Durran for Little Women
■ Best original score: Hildur Guonadottir for Joker
■ Sound: 1917
■ British short animation: Granddad Was A Romantic
■ British short film: Learning To Skateboard In A Warzone
■ Best animated film: Klaus
■ Make-up and hair: Bombshell
■ Adapted screenplay: Taika Waititi for Jojo Rabbit
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