The BAFTA Brilliance: A Night of Triumph
In the heart of London’s Royal Festival Hall, the 78th British Academy Film Awards unfolded like a cinematic symphony. The Vatican drama “Conclave” and the architectural masterpiece “The Brutalist” emerged as the stars of the show, each capturing four prestigious accolades.
“Conclave,” with its riveting portrayal of a papal election, claimed the coveted Best Film and Outstanding British Film awards. “The Brutalist,” meanwhile, stood tall with Best Director and Best Leading Actor honors for its exploration of urban complexities.
Mikey Madison shone as she accepted the Best Leading Actress trophy for her transformative role in “Anora.” Zoe Saldana followed suit, receiving the Best Supporting Actress award for her captivating performance in “Emilia Perez.” Jacques Audiard and Pascal Caucheteux brought home Best Film Not in the English Language for their Spanish masterpiece.
“The Brutalist” continued its triumph with Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. Kieran Culkin stole the show as Best Supporting Actor for his nuanced performance in “A Real Pain,” which also earned writer-director Jesse Eisenberg the Best Original Screenplay award.
Adrien Brody, overwhelmed with gratitude, took the stage for Best Leading Actor. “I am eternally grateful to the British public for embracing my artistic journey,” he said, his voice trembling. “England has become a sanctuary for me.”
Amidst the celebrations, the absence of Karla Sofia Gascon, nominated for Best Leading Actress for “Emilia Perez,” cast a shadow. Due to controversy surrounding her past tweets, she was excluded from the campaign by Netflix. Yet, in a touching gesture, Audiard honored Gascon in his acceptance speech: “And to my dear Karla Sofia, I embrace you.”
Zoe Saldana echoed this sentiment in her own speech. “Karla Sofia, you are seen and celebrated,” she declared.
A Complete List of the Victorious Films:
Best Film: “Conclave”
Best Leading Actress: Mikey Madison, “Anora”
Best Leading Actor: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
Outstanding British Film: “Conclave”
Best Director: Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”
Best Original Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”
Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan, “Conclave”
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana, “Emilia Perez”
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”