As excitement swirls around the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, the stage is set for the highly anticipated EE BAFTA Film Awards. Although the ceremony is on a slight delay, with the broadcast not scheduled to air for an additional two hours, the atmosphere is buzzing with energy. Industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the highlights of the evening, and Deadline has dedicated coverage to bring the event’s proceedings to live through a continuous blog.
Returning as host in his second consecutive year is the charismatic David Tennant, whose engaging presence promises to enliven the evening’s festivities. Adding to the excitement, the night will feature live music performances from top artists. The British band Take That will entertain attendees with their heartfelt song “Greatest Day,” while celebrated actor and musician Jeff Goldblum has been enlisted to provide a piano accompaniment during the poignant In Memoriam segment. The combination of humor, music, and the thrill of recognition makes for a dynamic celebration of cinematic accomplishments.
This year’s awards spotlight notable films striving for recognition, with Edward Berger’s “Conclave” topping the nominations with an impressive 12 nods. Following closely are Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” and Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” each boasting a formidable 11 and 9 nominations, respectively. The competition does not end there, as Sean Baker’s “Anora” and Universal’s “Wicked” both earned 7 nominations, while Timothée Chalamet’s “A Complete Unknown” arrives with 6. Critics and audiences alike have noted the unpredictable nature of the BAFTAs this year; with various films in contention, the eventual winners remain largely uncertain.
Historical context always adds depth to awards shows. Last year, the BAFTAs and the Oscars diverged significantly, evidenced by the fact that the top eight prizes from the BAFTAs were not replicated at the Oscars. Edward Berger’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” claimed top honors in London, only to be overshadowed by “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the Academy Awards. This pattern prompts glances back at previous ceremonies to speculate how this year might unfold, particularly with the captivating films that have garnered attention.
The evening’s proceedings will be underscored by the recent controversy surrounding “Emilia Pérez” and its star, Karla Sofía Gascón. Notably absent from the event, Gascón’s situation raises questions about the film’s overall standing in the BAFTA race. Her co-stars, such as the talented Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez – both nominated for Supporting Actress – will be present, as well as a multitude of A-list nominees including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Adrien Brody, making their attendance a focal point for fans and media alike.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, esteemed guest presenters such as Mark Hamill, Pamela Anderson, and Lupita Nyong’o will take the stage, enhancing the glamour of the evening. Hamill’s potential honor for his co-star Warwick Davis with the BAFTA Fellowship exemplifies the evening’s spirit of camaraderie and celebration within the film community.
As the clock ticks down to the ceremony, anticipation only intensifies for a night filled with accolades, performances, and unforgettable moments in film history.