The writing, in case you hadn’t already read it, is on the wall.
In the biggest BAFTA haul for a non-British production since “American Beauty” a decade ago, Kathryn Bigelow’s Iraq drama took six awards at the Royal Opera House, including Best Film, Director and Original Screenplay. Next up: Oscars. And plenty of ’em, I’m guessing.
I did respectably enough in my predictions, nailing 15 out of 21 categories, though I missed the big one, thinking homegrown favorite “An Education” would come out on top. The Brits did, however, vote local in the lead acting categories, with Colin Firth and Carey Mulligan taking well-deserved honors — probably their last of the season.
“An Education” lost both the top awards it was up for, as the ever-selective Best British Film committee once more looked to the fringes to reward Andrea Arnold’s “Fish Tank” instead. I’m thrilled to see a major award for my #2 film of last year, after it was blanked entirely in the general categories. Continuing a good night for my pet films, meanwhile, “A Prophet” took foreign-language honors.
Besides “The Hurt Locker,” the night’s only multiple winners were “Up,” “The Young Victoria” and “Avatar,” each of which took a pair of awards. James Cameron will at least be pleased that he improved upon that embarrassing BAFTA donut for “Titanic” twelve years ago.
Speaking of all things embarrassing, the ceremony was its usual lame self, hindered by some truly abysmal quips cooked up for host Jonathan Ross. Compounding the flatness of the whole affair, the BBC, in its wisdom, couldn’t even be bothered with a live broadcast this year — not acceptable under any circumstances.
Still, some nice moments survived, including an infectiously teary acceptance speech by “Moon” director Duncan Jones (taking the Carl Foreman Award), a dryly witty one by Firth and this fantastic opener from foreign film winner Jacques Audiard: “Thank you, I love you, you’re all so well dressed.” Ain’t that just awards season in a nutshell?
Check out the full list of winners at The Circuit.
Comments
72 responses to “‘The Hurt Locker’ sweeps BAFTA Awards”
Not waiting for the broadcast I see! (o;
Guy, given that Duncan Jones has won for best debut – does this bode well for Fish Tank?
Well, that was my reasoning. But who knows?
Seriously, BAFTA should be embarrassed that they aren’t broadcasting this live.
I think they delay is more to do with the BBC than BAFTA.
Sorry, I meant to write BBC, actually.
But the BBC have got such great Sunday night viewing like…
Antiques Roadshow.
Hmmm.
I despair.
Do you know I may just actually wacth the Baftas just to see how Christoph Walts works in BAFTAs in his speech.
I’m guessing it’ll have something to do with the “masks” actors wear.
Erm people less of the Antiques Road Show bashing, I remember when Sunday TV used to be that and then Last of the Summer Wine, now we have this cutting edge Lark for Candleford nonsense.
I only watch the BBC for news and sport. And The Apprentice. And University Challenge. Their output is pretty garbage these days.
Any money that they will soon rename that award the Sandy Powell Best Costume Design Award!
Yay Fish Tank!! Just rather embarrassing that you were ignored all the other categories. ooh makes the Best Picture battle rather interesting now.
Aaaaand … my reasoning was right. So thrilled. (Not to be right, but for the film.)
What about Last Restaurant Standing…isn’t that on BBC, or am I incorrect?
I love that show…but then again whenever I watch televison it’s always a cooking program of one kind or another. Still, I make my wife cook all the meals. Go figure.
I guess this is all just a preview of The Hurt Locker love affair that’s about to go down at the Oscar’s. *sigh*
Ooh er Mark Boal wins (pleased with that) ! Maybe I will watch just to see QT’s face!
Managed to get 9-1 on Fish Tank winning Best British film. Nice.
Damn. Should’ve put some money on that myself.
I’m all for The Hurt Locker winning editing and shit, but it doesn’t deserve a fraction of that screenplay award.
Guy, bookies know nothing about film awards, unless it’s obvious like Monique or Waltz. Nine was the overwhelming favourite for Best Comedy/Musical at the Globes. Was def money to be made on that except I had the stupid conviction that It’s Complicated would win.
Seriously who else thinks they should do away with the Rising Star Award or at least make it jury based? But hey ho the Twihards have spoken!
AdamL: Same here.
HL won screenplay?
Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.
I’m going to go cut myself.
WTF – No In The Loop? That is just wrong !!
And then to get Peter Capaldi to present the next award ?!?!?!?
I cannot believe Boal won Screenplay. I mean come on. Have a little bit of objectivity.
With Hurt Locker winning almost every original screenplay I might have to change my prediction Basterds would take the Oscar.
Okay, since no one else (BAFTA voters aside) is saying it: for my money, “The Hurt Locker” has a far better screenplay than “Inglourious Basterds.”
Yeah, I think the WGA win and now this means Boal takes Oscar.
Pleased for The Prophet but really Rahim should be up for best actor, Niels Arestrup, best supporting actor (shoot me now but Watz does not even compare) and Audiard – best director.
It is share laziness that they are not.
I think The Hurt Locker was the third best screenplay in the category…
Guy, you want to take the chance to change your prediction for Best Picture or do you not want to jinx its chances? (o;
I like Kristen Stewart
Chad I like Kristen Stewart but even Kristen wanted Tahar to win!
Haha Mickey Rourke is going to present Carer Mulligan the best actress prize.
Craig, I agree, third best.
Duncan Jones’ speech was very sweet.
Aww Duncan Jones, what sweet heart!!
Baftas on the BBC now, after that superb episode of Lark.
Muhahahah, Hurt Locker superb!!
Chad, you just lost me. :p
The only way for you to get me back is to tell me you liked Pretty Persuation. I loved that movie. I think I am the only one.
Carey won, I am so happy for her and Colin too, such great performance
They hit the nail on the head with Avatar…
Aww Christoph Waltz it was a pun on the word ‘Supported’.
***“The Hurt Locker” has a far better screenplay than “Inglourious Basterds.”***
Even if that were true (and it’s not), it comes nowhere even close to what the Coens achieved on A Serious Man.
Michael O,
Let’s not forget that Basterds wasn’t even eligible for WGA. Won BAFTA award doesn’t mean much.
Wow, I had to go all the way down to comment #42 to see Speaking English bitch and moan about The Hurt Locker. Again.
Though it does make me wonder, is A Serious Man *really* an original screenplay, or should it be considered an adaptation of the Book of Job?
I’m finding it quite ironic that The Young Victoria picked up all these BAFTAs when it did nothing here at the UK box office.
Ahhhhhh I love Tahar Rahim, he is so pretty and talented.
Kathryn Bigelow is amazing.
Oh my god…Speaking English…we agree about something…
Didn’t see it Jim T
Okay, Kate Winslet did that speech last year! But I love you Mickey Rourke, you hot mess.