Red carpet: Bafta joy for Irish talent
Disappointment for Keoghan and Buckley as they lose out on award
Irish-produced film ‘The Favourite’ collected a string of awards at the Bafta ceremony in London last night. The awards were attended by a host of big names, including Cate Blanchett (above), Glenn Close, and Spike Lee.
IRISH-produced film ‘The Favourite’ has lived up to its name at the Bafta film awards where it has collected a string of gongs.
The movie about Queen Anne and the two women vying for her affections scooped the first category of the night by taking the outstanding British film prize.
Rachel Weisz, who was competing against her own co-star Emma Stone, was named best supporting actress for her role as the Duchess of Marlborough.
The film also received accolades for its production design, make-up and hair, and original screenplay.
Accepting the supporting actress award, Weisz said: “Thank you to Bafta for this huge honour. I had the greatest luck in that I played opposite two of the most glorious women – Olivia Colman and Emma Stone. I salute you.
“Didn’t we have an extraordinary time? Hats off ladies. I want to thank Yorgos [Lanthimos], our director, your creativity is breathtaking.”
Coleman won the leading actress prize for her turn as a cantankerous Queen Anne in the spiky period drama.
Culture Minister Josepha Madigan last night congratulated Element Pictures on the film’s success.
“The recognition received by Element Pictures for their co-production ‘The Favourite’, both at home and abroad, is richly deserved. It is fantastic to see Irish talent capturing the attention of both the public and the film industry at an international level,” she said.
‘The Favourite’ was shot by Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan and was partly post-produced in Dublin.
However, there was disappointment for Irish actors Barry Keoghan and Jessie Buckley, both of whom were nominated for the rising star award. They lost out to ‘Black Panther’ star Letitia Wright, in the only Bafta category voted on by the public.
Appearing overwhelmed as she collected her gong, Wright said: “I identify myself as a child of God and I can’t get up here without thanking God.
“A few years ago I saw myself in a deep state of depression and I wanted to quit acting. The only thing that pretty much pulled me out of that was God, my belief, my faith and my family and an email from Bafta saying they wanted me to be a part of the Bafta Breakthrough Brits and I was like ‘let me try again’.
“So this wasn’t an overnight thing, it wasn’t a click-of-a-finger success and I’m still a work in progress.”
Rami Malek scooped the leading actor category for his turn as Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, while Mahershala Ali was named best supporting actor for his role as Professor Don Shirley in ‘Green Book’.
Accepting the award, a tearful Ali said: “Thank you for this, my fellow nominees, thank you for your work. You know the work itself has always been the reward for me so it’s a little surreal to get this kind of thing for something you feel so passionate about and grateful for.”
‘A Star Is Born’ won for its original music, with the film’s writer, director, star and composer Bradley Cooper collecting the prize.