The BAFTAs, Britain’s most glamorous night, saw a return to royalty after a two-year hiatus. The Prince and Princess of Wales graced the red carpet, with Prince William, the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, donning a classic black velvet tuxedo. Kate, a beacon of sustainability, stunned in a restyled Alexander McQueen gown, previously worn to the BAFTAs in 2019.
Prince William and Kate Middleton at the BAFTAs
The highlight of the evening was a poignant tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, led by the esteemed Dame Helen Mirren. “Cinema at its best does what her majesty did effortlessly – bring us together and unite us in a story,” Mirren eloquently stated. The Queen, who received a BAFTA in 2013 for her enduring patronage of the arts, was recognized for her significant contributions.
Helen Mirren pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth at the BAFTAs
Mirren, who herself won both a BAFTA and an Oscar for her portrayal of the Queen, shared the profound impact of the tribute, stating, “You know, I’m Elizabethan, you know, she was there for my whole life. And um, so her passing was, um… it was, you know, it was massive.” The tribute brought forth a rare display of emotion from Prince William, a testament to the Queen’s lasting legacy.
The awards ceremony held the promise of foreshadowing potential Oscar favorites. Both Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, recognized for their roles in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” clinched awards in supporting actor categories. Keoghan, visibly moved, dedicated his award to aspiring artists from his hometown, exclaiming, “For the kids that are dreaming to – to be something from – from the area that I came from, this is for us.”
Barry Keoghan accepts his BAFTA award
Adding to her impressive resume, Cate Blanchett received the coveted Best Actress award for her captivating performance in “Tár.”
Cate Blanchett wins Best Actress at the BAFTAs
However, it was the German anti-war film, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” that dominated the BAFTAs, garnering an impressive seven awards. Its accolades included Best Director and the prestigious Best Film award.
The excitement surrounding the BAFTAs paves the way for the next grand event on the Royal calendar – the coronation of King Charles in May. The palace has revealed the coronation emblem, symbolizing the flora of the four nations and paying tribute to King Charles’s profound love for the natural world.
Adding to the anticipation, details about the coronation music have surfaced, including a brand new composition by the renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The BAFTAs served as a reminder of the power of storytelling, the enduring legacy of cultural icons, and the excitement surrounding upcoming events.
