Aussie Stars Shine Bright (and Miss Out) at Prestigious Film Awards
The glitz and glamour of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) unfolded recently, with Australian talent making their mark on the international stage. While some of our homegrown stars were nominated for their standout performances, the night ultimately belonged to a few select talents, with a couple of Australian hopes narrowly missing out on coveted trophies.
Byrne’s BAFTA Bid Falls Short
Australian actress Rose Byrne was a strong contender in the highly competitive Leading Actress category. Her powerful performance in A24’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You had garnered significant acclaim, positioning her as a potential winner. However, the night saw Jessie Buckley of Hamnet take home the award. Buckley, who is also a favourite for upcoming Academy Awards, made history as the first Irish actress to win this particular BAFTA category.
During her acceptance speech, Buckley charmed the audience with a mix of humour and heartfelt sentiment. She paid tribute to the women who have inspired her career, stating, “This really does belong to the women past, present and future that have taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently.” She also acknowledged her fellow nominees, including Byrne, Chase Infiniti, and Emma Stone, even playfully asking the audience for help remembering the remaining contenders, Kate Hudson and Renate Reinsve.
Elordi’s Supporting Role Recognition
Another Australian talent to be recognised was Jacob Elordi, who impressed with his haunting portrayal of the monster in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Elordi was nominated in the Supporting Actor category, a testament to his growing stature in Hollywood. However, the award went to Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another.
One Battle After Another Dominates the Night
The big winner of the evening was undoubtedly Paul Thomas Anderson’s gripping political thriller, One Battle After Another. After a remarkable 14 nominations, the film secured a total of six awards, including the prestigious Best Film and Best Director accolades. This sweep solidifies its position as a major player in the awards season.
Sinners Makes History for Black Directors
Ryan Coogler’s gothic vampire horror, Sinners, also achieved a significant milestone at the BAFTAs. The film made history by becoming the most decorated film by a Black director at the awards, clinching three prizes. Wunmi Mosaku was recognised with the Supporting Actress award, and Ludwig Göransson’s original score also earned a BAFTA. Furthermore, the film’s win for Original Screenplay marked a historic moment for Coogler, making him the first Black writer to ever win in that category.
Accepting his award, Coogler delivered an inspiring message to aspiring writers: “For all the writers out there, when you look at that blank page, think of who you love, think of anybody who you’ve seen in pain that you identify with and wish they felt better and let that love motivate you.”
Disappointment for Marty Supreme
It was a night of missed opportunities for Josh Safdie’s chaotic dramedy Marty Supreme. The A24 film equalled a historic record for the most BAFTA losses, walking away with zero wins from its 11 nominations. This unfortunate outcome ties it with Women in Love (1969) and Finding Neverland (2004) for the most nominations without a win.
The most surprising loss for Marty Supreme arguably came in the Leading Actor category, where its star, Timothée Chalamet, was a frontrunner after winning at both the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards. He was narrowly beaten by British actor Robert Aramayo.
Aramayo’s Unexpected Triumph
Robert Aramayo’s win for his role in the British indie biopic I Swear was a moment of sheer disbelief. The film chronicles the life of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson and is set to be released in Australian cinemas on March 26. Aramayo, visibly stunned, acknowledged the calibre of his fellow nominees, including industry legends Leonardo DiCaprio and Ethan Hawke, whom he had also surpassed.
“I honestly cannot believe I have won this award,” Aramayo stated. “When I was in school, Ethan Hawke gave a talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviours. So, to be in this category with you tonight is incredible.”
Craft Awards and International Recognition
Beyond the major categories, Frankenstein shone in the craft awards, securing wins for production design, make-up and hair, and costume design, showcasing the technical brilliance behind the film. Additionally, Jessie Buckley’s win for Hamnet in the Leading Actress category was complemented by the film’s win for Outstanding British Film, fending off strong competition.
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value also etched its name in the BAFTA history books, becoming the first Norwegian film to win an award. It took home the prize for Best Film Not in the English Language.
The BAFTAs, a cornerstone of the UK’s film calendar, not only celebrates British cinema but also serves as a crucial barometer for the wider awards season, building anticipation for the upcoming Oscars. This year’s ceremony was expertly hosted by Alan Cumming, whose debut was widely praised for its wit and charm, particularly during his playful interactions with nominees. The evening was further enlivened by captivating live performances, adding to the overall celebratory atmosphere.
