The row over diversity has overshadowed the forthcoming Academy Awards but the British Academy Of Film And Television Arts (Baftas) has had a smooth run-up to its ceremony on Sunday.
In the leading acting categories, bookies’ favourite Leonardo DiCaprio, who is yet to win a Bafta or an Oscar, is up against Academy Award winners Eddie Redmayne and Matt Damon, with Bryan Cranston and Michael Fassbender rounding off the best actor nominees.
Eddie’s fellow The Danish Girl star Alicia Vikander will battle it out with best actress nominees Cate Blanchett, Brie Larson, Saoirse Ronan and Dame Maggie Smith.
Acclaimed drama Carol and Steven Spielberg’s Bridge Of Spies head the prestigious event, which will be held at London’s Royal Opera House, with nine nominations apiece.
Over the years, the Baftas have produced some memorable moments and sparked notable talking points. Here are just a few aficionados may remember.
Gravity a British film?
Space epic Gravity had some scratching their heads in 2014 because it won outstanding British film despite having the backing of major US studio Warner Bros., and two American stars in Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
Even Bafta award-winning director Alfonso Cuaron was Mexican.
To be eligible for outstanding British film, a movie must have “significant British creative involvement” and be certified as British by the British Film Institute (BFI).
Gravity was produced by Briton David Heyman (of Harry Potter fame) and shot at Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios with a British crew. The visual effects were also made by the UK creative studio Framestore.
Talking about the award backstage, the director said: “There’s a series of rules that make a film eligible for Baftas as a best British film or not. And Gravity definitely has all the requirements.”
Sitcom writer Andrew Collins queried Bafta’s criteria for the inclusion of films like Gravity and Mandela, to name a few, while the likes of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa and Danny Boyle’s Trance missed out.
Bubbles at the Baftas
In 2002, the red carpet turned into a bubble bath after heavy rain made the shampoo come to the surface. Stars including Kate Winslet and Dame Judi Dench had to negotiate the foam to make their way into the venue in London’s Leicester Square.
US star Kevin Spacey, who was presenting an award, joked that Dame Judi Dench’s shoes had been ruined.
Meryl Streep’s Cinderella moment in 2012
Announced as best actress for her performance in The Iron Lady, Meryl lost a shoe on the stairs as she made her way up to the stage. However, actor Colin Firth retrieved her missing footwear.
Jamie Bell beat Hollywood heavyweights
In 2001, 14-year-old Jamie won the Bafta for his portrayal of Billy Elliot in the movie of the same name. It was his debut feature film, and it earned him the accolade over Russell Crowe, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks and Geoffrey Rush.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s tuxes
The co-ordinated look of the Oscar-winners captured the imagination of fashion aficionados in 2014. The couple wowed on the Royal Opera House red carpet.
He looked dapper in Valentino, she wore Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane.
Stephen Fry kissed Cuba Gooding Jr
In 2015, newlywed host Stephen said in his opening monologue that kissing was a Baftas tradition. He received a smacker from Birdman stars Edward Norton and Michael Keaton.
“You’ve made one married man very happy, and another one rather jealous,” the comedian said in a reference to husband Eliott Spencer.
Jerry Maguire Oscar winner Gooding Jr walked on stage to present the best supporting actress award. Before he announced the winner, the Selma star joked he was “deeply hurt” about not receiving a kiss.
“Can I say how deeply hurt I was that you didn’t choose to kiss me earlier, Stephen?” he said.
The Brit responded by kissing the American.
Meryl Streep prompted laughter
In 2003, Meryl’s slip of the tongue provided much mirth. Accepting the adapted screenplay award for Adaption, she read out recipient Charlie Kaufman’s speech with the words “I would like to spank” rather than “I would like to thank”.
Tinie Tempah high-fived Prince William
The ceremony got under way in 2014 with Tinie Tempah’s performance of his song Heroes with Laura Mvula. As the Londoner sang his way across the auditorium in the London venue, he took the opportunity to high-five Baftas president, The Duke of Cambridge.
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