The hotly-anticipated BAFTA Awards have been and gone for yet another year. Hosted by the brilliant David Tennant, this year’s BAFTAs had a tonne of best moments. From many laughs to a few incredible tear-jerking moments, here’s some of the best moments you may have missed from the ceremony.
YouTuber crashes Oppenheimer best film winner moment
A YouTuber apparently crashed one of the most important BAFTA accolades of the night – the award for Best Film. Upon Oppenheimer being announced as the winner, Christopher Nolan, his wife Emma Thomas and Cillian Murphy took to the stage. From the opposite side of the stage, a man walked up, joining the Oppenheimer team entirely undetected. It is not known who the YouTuber is, nor have they posted any clips from the ‘prank’ to social media yet. However, in a statement given to Variety, it appears the BAFTA organisation are taking this infiltration extremely seriously.
“A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage — we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further,” a BAFTA spokesperson told the publication.
Hugh Grant pokes fun at films with Wonka-themed joke
Presenting the award for Best Director, Hugh Grant used his moment on stage for a hilariously sardonic manner. The actor, who recently portrayed an Oompa-Loompa in the Wonka film, poked fun at some of the nominated films with a tongue-in-cheek song.
“Oompa Loompa doompety dee/ now the best director category. Oompa Loompa doompety dong/ Most of these films were frankly too long. Oompa Loompa doompety dah/ But for some reason the nominees are…” Hugh sang in a deadpan expression before awarding Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer.
Michael J. Fox gets a standing ovation
Michael J. Fox presented the award for Best Film at the BAFTA Awards. The 62-year-old actor used a wheelchair to get on stage before standing at the podium to present the prestigious award. Before Michael could speak, he was met with applause and a standing ovation from stars like Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Michael and his wife, Tracy Pollan appeared at the BAFTAs to support the Family Ties actor’s documentary, Still: A Michael J Fox Story, which was nominated for an award.
Prince William rubs shoulders with Cate Blanchett and David Beckham
Prince William, who is the President of The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, was also in attendance at the awards ceremony. Though he is usually joined by his wife, Princess Catherine, this year the Prince of Wales made a solo appearance as the Princess recovers from abdominal surgery.
Whilst the Prince attended the awards without Catherine, he was certainly not alone. Prior to the ceremony, William was snapped chatting to both Cate Blanchett and David Beckham.
Why did Matthew Perry not appear in the BAFTAS In Memoriam segment?
During the awards ceremony, there was an In Memoriam segment which honoured those in film who have passed in the last year. However, it was quickly noticed that the late Friends actor, Matthew Perry had not been included in the segment.
The official BAFTA Awards X account (formerly known as Twitter) clarified that Matthew would be honoured in the In Memoriam segment in the television iteration of the awards.
“Matthew Perry will be remembered in this year’s TV Awards ceremony,” the account wrote, linking to their online tribute to the actor.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed Murder on the Dancefloor
Thanks to Saltburn, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit, Murder on the Dancefloor, enjoyed a major revival. Twenty years on from the song’s release, the noughties has hit number two on the charts and has seen Sophie performing on Jimmy Fallon, football matches and has now made for one of the best moments at the BAFTAs.
The singer stepped out onto the stage in a Sophie Couture orange and black dress to perform the earworm.
Christopher Nolan wins Best Director
Christopher Nolan scored his first BAFTA Award today for Best Director for his work on Oppenheimer. Upon accepting the award, Christopher took a moment to recognise the efforts of advocates who have worked to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world since it was invented in 1942.
“I do just want to say that our film ends on a dramatically necessary note of despair. But in the real world, there are all kinds of individuals and organizations who have fought long and hard to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. And since 1967, they’ve done it by almost 90%. Of late, that’s since gone the wrong way. And so in accepting this award, I do just want to acknowledge their efforts and point out that they show the necessity and the potential of efforts for peace.”
