The BAFTA Awards are one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in the film and television industry. Every year, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts honors the best achievements in these fields, as well as in video games.
Additionally, the awards ceremony is also a great opportunity to witness some unforgettable moments. From emotional speeches to hilarious mishaps, from iconic outfits to historic wins. You can have it all!
In this article, I will take a closer look at 10 memorable BAFTA moments. I have listed some of the moments that have made history.
So, if that is something that you are interested to know, I have you covered! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
BAFTA Awards 2024: Everything You Need to Know!
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) celebrated its 78th annual awards ceremony on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais hosted the event. It was a night of surprises and celebrations, as the best of British and international talent were honored for their achievements in film and television.
Millions of viewers around the world watched the event, which was live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Everyone enjoyed the spectacle, the glamor, and the entertainment of the prestigious awards ceremony.
Here are some of the moments that are worth mentioning:
Film Categories
The biggest winner of the night was the drama film Nomadland, which took home four awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Chloe Zhao, Best Actress for Frances McDormand, and Best Cinematography. The film, which follows a woman who travels across America in a van after losing everything in the Great Recession, was praised for its realism, empathy, and stunning visuals.
Furthermore, another surprise winner was the comedy film Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which won two awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor in a Comedy for Sacha Baron Cohen, who reprised his role as the outrageous Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev. The film, which was secretly filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 US presidential election, was hailed for its satire, humor, and social commentary.
Television Categories
The television categories were also full of surprises, as the drama series The Crown was snubbed by the BAFTA voters, despite being nominated for 10 awards. Unfortunately, the series, which chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II and her family, only won one award, for Best Supporting Actress for Helena Bonham Carter, who played Princess Margaret.
However, the biggest winner in the television categories was the comedy series Ted Lasso, which won four awards, including Best Comedy Series. Here is what the comedy series won:
- Best Actor in a Comedy: Jason Sudeikis
- Best Supporting Actor: Brett Goldstein
- Best Supporting Actress: Hannah Waddingham
The series, which follows an American football coach who manages a struggling English soccer team, was lauded for its warmth, optimism, and charm.
Memorable Moments
The BAFTA Awards 2024 also featured some memorable moments.
For instance, there was a tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who posthumously received the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade of the academy.
The tribute, which included a montage of his films and speeches from his co-stars and friends, was a touching and emotional tribute to the star, who died of colon cancer in 2020.
Besides, another highlight of the night was the acceptance speech of Daniel Kaluuya, who won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in the biographical film Judas and the Black Messiah.
Kaluuya, who was born in London to Ugandan parents, thanked his family, his team, and his fellow nominees, and ended his speech with a powerful message: “We’re here to stay. We’ve always been here. We’ll always be here. This is our time.”
10 Best BAFTA Moments in History
The BAFTA Awards have a long and rich history, dating back to 1947, when they were founded as the British Film Academy. Since then, they have witnessed many memorable moments.
And I am here to list some of them!
So, without further ado, let us get started. Here are the best BAFTA award moments that will forever be etched in history:
1. Meryl Streep’s Cinderella Moment (2011)
Meryl Streep is no stranger to winning awards. But in 2011, she had a bit of a struggle to get to the stage. The legendary actress won the BAFTA for Best Actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. However, as she was walking up the stairs, she lost her shoe.
Luckily, her Mamma Mia! co-star Colin Firth came to her rescue. He helped her put her shoe back on in a charming Cinderella moment.
Streep then delivered a witty and gracious speech, thanking Firth for saving her life and joking about her British accent.
2. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s His-and-Hers Tuxedos (2014)
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were one of the most famous and glamorous couples in Hollywood. There is absolutely no doubt that they always turned heads on the red carpet.
In 2014, they attended the BAFTAs together. They made a stunning fashion statement by wearing matching tuxedos.
Jolie wore a Saint Laurent suit with an open-necked shirt and heels. On the other hand, Pitt wore a Valentino suit with a bow tie and shoes.
The couple looked effortlessly chic and coordinated. Moreover, they also showed their support for each other’s nominations.
Jolie’s nomination was for Best Director for Unbroken. And Pitt was a producer of 12 Years a Slave, which won Best Film.
3. Audrey Hepburn’s Special Award (1992)
Audrey Hepburn was one of the most beloved and iconic actresses of all time. What is unknown to a lot of people is that she had a special connection with BAFTA.
She won three BAFTAs in her career, for Roman Holiday, The Nun’s Story, and Charade. In 1992, she received a special award from BAFTA for her contribution to cinema. Her friend and co-star Gregory Peck was the one who gave it to her.
Hepburn gave a heartfelt and humble speech, expressing her love for cinema and thanking BAFTA for the honor. Unfortunately, this was one of her last public appearances, as she passed away a few months later from cancer.
4. Time’s Up and #MeToo Movements (2018)
The Time’s Up and #MeToo movements marked the 2018 BAFTAs. This aimed to raise awareness and fight against sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Many attendees wore black and Time’s Up badges to show their solidarity and support for the cause. Additionally, the host of the ceremony, Joanna Lumley, also acknowledged the “determination to eradicate the abuse of women the world over.”
Several speeches also addressed the issue. For instance, Frances McDormand, who won Best Actress for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, said:
“I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black.”
5. Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Maggie Smith’s Kiss Cam Moment (2016)
Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Maggie Smith are two of the most respected and talented actors in the world, and they also share a birthday.
In 2016, they got nominations for BAFTAs, DiCaprio for The Revenant and Smith for The Lady in the Van.
During the ceremony, the host Stephen Fry decided to have some fun and play a kiss cam game with the audience. He randomly paired up celebrities and asked them to kiss on the big screen.
One of the pairs was DiCaprio and Smith. And, hold your hearts! They obliged with a sweet and cheeky peck on the lips, to the delight of the crowd.
DiCaprio later went on to win his first BAFTA and thanked Smith for the kiss in his speech. What a moment, right?
6. Julie Walters and Michael Caine’s Banter (1984)
Julie Walters and Michael Caine are two of the most beloved and versatile actors in Britain. They have starred together in several films, such as Educating Rita and Harry Brown.
In 1984, they were both received nominations for BAFTAs for their roles in Educating Rita, a comedy-drama about a working-class woman who enrolls in an open university course taught by a disillusioned professor.
Additionally, they also presented an award together, and they had a hilarious and witty banter on stage, poking fun at each other’s accents, backgrounds, and careers.
Additionally, they both ended up winning their categories, and they continued to joke and praise each other in their speeches.
7. Parasite’s Historic Win (2020)
Parasite was one of the most acclaimed and successful films of 2019, a dark comedy-thriller about a poor family who infiltrates a wealthy household.
Bong Joon-ho, a South Korean filmmaker, who had previously made films such as Snowpiercer and Okja, is the writer and director of the movie.
Moreover, Parasite won four BAFTAs in 2020, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Not in the English Language. This was a historic achievement, as Parasite was the first foreign-language film to win Best Film at the BAFTAs. Additionally, Bong Joon-ho was the first Asian director to win Best Director.
Following this, in his acceptance speeches, Bong Joon-ho thanked the British Academy, his cast and crew, and his fellow nominees, and also made a reference to his famous quote:
“Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
8. Ginger Rogers’ Standing Ovation (1986)
Ginger Rogers was one of the most legendary and influential stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She is popular for her musical films with Fred Astaire, such as Top Hat and Swing Time.
In 1986, the jury invited her to present the Best Film award at the BAFTAs, and she received a standing ovation from the audience as she walked on stage.
The warm reception that she got visibly moved and touched her. She said:
“Thank you, thank you. You’re very kind, and I appreciate it so much.”
After that, she announced the winner, which was Out of Africa, a romantic drama starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
9. Olivia Colman’s Adorable Speech (2019)
Olivia Colman is one of the most versatile actresses in Britain. She has won three BAFTAs in her career, for Broadchurch, The Night Manager, and The Favourite.
In 2019, she won the BAFTA for Best Actress for her role as Queen Anne in The Favourite, a dark comedy about the rivalry between two courtiers in the 18th century.
Colman gave a hilarious and adorable speech. In that, the size of the theatre astonished her. She thanked the producers of the film “obvs”, and declared that she and her friends “are going to get so pissed later”.
Additionally, she also praised her co-stars Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz. Furthermore, she dedicated the award to her grandmother, who loved the royal family.
10. Joaquin Phoenix’s Powerful Speech (2020)
Joaquin Phoenix made history when he won the Best Actor award for his role as Arthur Fleck in Joker, the dark and gritty origin story of the iconic comic book villain.
Phoenix became the second person to win an Oscar and a BAFTA for playing the same character. Heath Ledger, who posthumously won both awards for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight, was the first.
Phoenix gave a powerful and provocative speech. He addressed the lack of diversity and representation in the industry and called for systemic change. Furthermore, he admitted that he was “part of the problem.” He admitted that he had not done enough to ensure that his projects were inclusive.
Phoenix urged his peers to do more to dismantle the oppression and racism that pervades the society. He urged people to create more opportunities for people of color.
Honorable Mention: Sir Alfred Hitchcock Receives First BAFTA Fellowship (1971)
It is London, 1971. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is about to unveil its secret weapon— the Fellowship Award. And who better to receive this cinematic Excalibur than the legendary Alfred Hitchcock?
Hitchcock, the man who made us fear showers, birds, and even our own shadows. The maestro of suspense, the puppeteer of our heart rates. His films? Like roller coasters—terrifying, exhilarating, and occasionally inducing screams that could shatter glass.
So, there he stands at the inaugural BAFTA Fellowship Awards. The room hushes as Lord Attenborough steps forward. And then, with a flourish, he presents the award to Hitchcock.
The crowd erupts in applause, like thunder after a lightning strike. Hitchcock, ever the showman, shuffles to the stage. His trademark deadpan expression? Intact.
And what does he say? Brace yourselves. In that dry, British way of his, he says, “I’m delighted to be here. But I must confess, I thought this was a dinner invitation. Turns out, it’s a lifetime achievement award. Well, I guess I’ll have to cancel my reservation at the local pub.”
Laughter ripples through the hall. Hitchcock’s humor, like a secret ingredient in his suspense cocktails, adds flavor to the evening. He continues, “To my fellow filmmakers, remember: Suspense is like a good cup of tea. It needs time to steep. And if you spill it, well, that’s just a plot twist waiting to happen.”
As the applause subsides, Hitchcock raises the award like a chalice. The room holds its breath, as if expecting him to vanish into thin air, leaving behind only a silhouette against the moon. But no, he’s here to stay. His legacy? Etched in celluloid, forever haunting our dreams.
Wrapping It Up!
I hope that this blog was as entertaining for you as it was for me! If you wanted to know about the best BAFTA moments in history, these are just the tip of the iceberg. However, I have tried to provide you with as much information as possible.
In case you want any other information or want to engage in playful banter like that of Julie Walters and Michael Caine, I would like to request you to kindly drop a comment in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
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