BRING ON THE BAFTAS!
Array of dazzling young talent lines up for film awards
LAST year’s Bafta nominations sparked major criticism – including strong words from Prince William – for their lack of diversity.
This year sees an array of exciting new talent up for the glittering prizes.
Bafta chairman Krish Majumdar said that there have been no quotas and the most diverse awards ever are simply a ‘reflection of excellence’, with recognition for an array of talent from different ages and backgrounds.
Bukky Bakray, 18, has been nominated for leading actress for British coming-ofage drama Rocks, after being picked for the role from her classroom two years ago. Rivals for the award include fellow Britons Wunmi Mosaku, for horror thriller His House, and The Crown star Vanessa Kirby for Pieces Of A Woman.
Riz Ahmed is up for leading actor for rock music drama Sound Of Metal. His rivals include Sir Anthony Hopkins, 83, for The Father, the late Chadwick Bose
‘A reflection of excellence’
man for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and The Serpent star Tahar Rahim for The Mauritanian. Supporting actor nominees include former Skins and Babylon star Daniel Kaluuya, for his portrayal of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in Judas And The Black Messiah, and Irish actor Barry Keoghan, for the crime drama Calm With Horses. Keoghan’s co-star Niamh Algar is up for supporting actress, along with 16-year-old Kosar Ali for Rocks and Ashley Madekwe for drug-trafficking drama County Lines. Four of the six best director nominees are women – there were none last year. The awards ceremony will take place on April 11.