Blackout at Baftas
Gary Oldman judged best actor for portrayal of Churchill
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was the big winner at the Baftas in London. The Martin McDonagh-directed crime drama won five awards at the Royal Albert Hall, including Best Film, Best Leading Actress for Frances McDormand, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor for Sam Rockwell, and Outstanding British Film.
McDonagh — who also wrote the movie — made reference to the Time’s Up movement during his acceptance speech, saying: “Our film is a hopeful one in lots of ways but it’s also an angry one, and as we’ve seen this year, sometimes anger is the only way to get people to listen and to change, so we’re thrilled that Bafta has recognised this.”
The Time’s Up campaign was started in response to the Hollywood sex scandal that erupted in 2017.
And McDonagh — whose award-winning movie centres on a mother who rents three billboards to bring attention to her daughter’s unsolved murder — revealed that one of his ambitions is to “write strong female parts”.
He added: “That’s what we’ve done with this film, with Frances [McDormand], and I’m pleased this performance is out this year, it’s a great statement for Me Too and Time’s Up and we’re proud of that aspect and having our part.”
Meanwhile, Rockwell paid tribute to the director for the role he created for him.
The actor said: “This is one of the greatest parts I’ve ever had and comparable to what I’ve done on stage. Martin made this part for me.” The Shape of Water won three Baftas including Best Director for Guillermo Del Toro.
During his acceptance speech, the moviemaker paid tribute to Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein and a major figure in British literary history.
He said: “The most important figure from English legacy for me is a teenager by the name of Mary Shelley.
“She has remained a figure as important in my life as if it was family. And so many times, when I think about giving up, when people tell me the movies I’m dreaming of are impossible, I think of her.”
Meanwhile, Darkest Hour won two awards, including Best Leading Actor for London-born star Gary Oldman. In his speech, Oldman paid tribute to the man he played in the movie, Sir Winston Churchill.
He explained: “In those dark, uncertain days in 1940, he held the line for honour, for integrity and freedom for his nation and the world, so I thank you, Sir Winston.”
The final award of the ceremony — which was presented by Joanna Lumley — went to veteran filmmaker Sir Ridley Scott, who was given the Bafta Fellowship.
On receiving the accolade, Scott joked: “I wonder if the real reason behind the award is ‘ better give him something before it’s too late’.”