GREEK GODDESS KATE WOWS BAFTAS
OLIVIA Colman took a break from her day job – portraying the present monarch for TV – to be crowned queen of the Baftas last night.
Dressed in a suitably regal black and white gown, she was named best actress for her role as Queen Anne in The Favourite, which swept the board with seven prizes.
But she veered away from royal demeanour in her emotional acceptance speech at the Royal Albert Hall as she promised ‘to get so p*****’ with a few celebratory drinks.
The movie about the eccentric 18th century British monarch, which now seems bound for Oscars glory, was beaten to the best film prize by Mexican drama Roma.
But it won other Baftas for outstanding British film, original screenplay, costume design, production design and hair and make-up, while Miss Colman’s British co-star Rachel Weisz was best supporting actress
The film’s Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos said: ‘We made a very British film, the story is very British.’
He added: ‘I don’t know what else to say about Olivia, she’s just an amazing human being, actor and she’s a joy to work with.
‘I think she doesn’t take herself too seriously, and just enjoys what she’s doing a lot and that’s why every time it’s all new to her.’
Miss Colman, who is filming for her role as the current Queen in The Crown after taking over from Claire Foy, who was also at last night’s ceremony, fought back tears as she accepted her Bafta.
The 45-year- old thanked her costars, Miss Weisz and Emma Stone, and said: ‘Thanks so much.
‘I do know what to say, I’ve actually written something down. To my fellow nominees, to be in the same company as you is an extraordinary honour. I’m very shaky, sorry. We’re having an amazing night aren’t we? We’re going to get so p***** later.’
She added: ‘Emma and Rachel, [thank you] for your performances and what you did after the camera stopped rolling. We’ve never talked about this and I find it very emotional, but I love you.’
The awards were attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the latter outshining many of the actresses in a sweeping, oneshoulder Greek-style gown by Alexander McQueen. She also wore a pair of dazzling pearl earrings that belonged to Princess Diana.
It left one guest joking: ‘Who do I bow to – William and Kate or Olivia and Claire Foy?’
Miss Weisz, 48, also paid tribute to her co- stars as she accepted her award, saying: ‘Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, need I say more? They are spectacular women.
‘Chemistry isn’t something you can make up, you either have it or you don’t. I knew as soon as I laid eyes on them. They are glorious women.’
While The Favourite took most prizes, Roma – a story directed by Alfonso Cuaron about a family in Mexico City – took the Baftas for best film and best director.
Best actor was Rami Malek for his barnstorming performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
The only negative reaction to the Baftas was the ‘awful’ script given to host Joanna Lumley, which came in for severe criticism online.