The 1917 war film has become the big winner at the BAFTA ceremony in London. Sam Mendes’ drama ( Skyfall, American Beauty ) won a total of seven prizes, including those for best film, best camera work and best director.
The film about two British soldiers during the First World War, which seems to take place in one smooth movement, also won the prize for the most extraordinary British production. Other contenders in that category were the Elton John biopic Rocketman and the Netflix film The Two Popes . 1917 also won prizes for the best sound, set design and visual effects
The prize for best actress went to Renée Zellweger, for the biographical film Judy . Joaquin Phoenix was awarded for his lead role in Joker. Both actors previously received Golden Globes for the same roles.
The prize for best supporting actor went to Laura Dern. She previously won a Golden Globe for her role as a crafty lawyer in the divorce drama Marriage Story . Brad Pitt received the BAFTA for best supporting actor, for Once Upon a Time … In Hollywood . His opponent Margot Robbie received the award on his behalf.
Two prizes for Parasite
The South Korean thriller Parasite has won two prizes. In addition to the award for best non-English-language film, the scenario was also awarded.
The award ceremony was interrupted halfway for an In Memoriam section, with attention also being paid to Rutger Hauer. The Dutch actor died in 2019 after a short illness.
With ten nominations, 1917 is one of the biggest contenders at the Oscars, to be awarded on 10 February. The war film has previously won the most important Golden Globes and has recently also won awards at various gala workshops for craftsmen.