The 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England, showcased a diverse array of cinematic achievements on Sunday. Among the standout winners was Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which led the nominations with an impressive 13 nods and ultimately secured seven awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Nolan, in his first BAFTA win, expressed gratitude to Universal Studios for supporting the film’s dark thematic elements during his acceptance speech.
Another notable winner of the evening was “Poor Things,” which earned five wins, including Emma Stone’s victory for Best Lead Actress. Da’Vine Joy Randolph from “The Holdovers” continued her streak by winning Best Supporting Actress, crediting her co-star Paul Giamatti for his influence on her performance.
Director Jonathan Glazer’s Holocaust drama, “The Zone of Interest,” received recognition as the Outstanding British Film and also won Best Film Not in the English Language.
Despite the success of these films, others like “Barbie,” “Saltburn,” “Maestro,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” left the ceremony without any awards.
The event featured appearances from esteemed figures in the film industry, including Tom Cruise and Michael J. Fox. Prince William also attended the ceremony on official duty amidst concerns about his family’s health.
Following the BAFTAs, the Screen Actors Guild Awards stand as the final major event before the Oscars in March.
While the ceremony wasn’t broadcast live, it aired on BBC One in the UK and is now available for streaming on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.
Overall, the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards celebrated excellence in cinema, honoring both established filmmakers and emerging talent alike. The event showcased the diversity and innovation present in today’s film industry, setting the stage for the upcoming Oscars.
