Best picture ‘1917’ is big winner at British Academy Awards

Gut-wrenching World War I epic “1917” was the big winner at Sunday'’ British Academy Film Awards, winning seven prizes including best picture and best director.

Sam Mendes’ drama about one of the most devastating conflicts in British history bested hotly tipped American contenders including “Joker,” “The Irishman” and “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” at a glitzy London event that was overshadowed by criticism of the nominees' lack of diversity — even from some of the nominees themselves.

Director Mendes based “1917” on his grandfather's wartime experiences. Shot in sinuous long takes that immerse viewers in the action, it follows two British soldiers on a perilous mission across No Man’s Land to try to avert a suicidal offensive.

“1917” was also named best British film and won the cinematography prize — Roger Deakins' fifth win in that category. It also took trophies for production design, sound and visual effects.

Joaquin Phoenix was named best actor for superhero story “Joker,” which charts the origins of Batman’s ginning nemesis. Renee Zellweger won the best actress prize for the Judy Garland biopic “Judy.”

“Joker” took three awards — best actor, casting and score — from 11 nominations. Martin Scorsese's mob drama “The Irishman” had 10 nominations, but went home empty-handed.

Victory at the British awards, known as BAFTAs, is often a good predictor of success at Hollywood’s Academy Awards, being held this year on Feb. 9. Like the Oscars, the British awards have struggled to become less male and white.

No women were nominated as best director for the seventh year running, and all 20 nominees in the lead and supporting performer categories were white.

Joel C Ryan / Associated Press From left, Callum McDougall, Charles Chapman, George Mackay, Jayne-Ann Tenggren, Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Krysty Wilson-Cairns, Mark Strong and Andrew Scott, winners of Best Film for “1917,” backstage at the Bafta Film Awards.