Christopher Nolan’s atomic epic “Oppenheimer” took center stage at the 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) on Sunday, winning a total of seven awards and cementing its status as an Oscars front-runner.
The film, directed by Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy as physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, won best film, best director, and best actor at the BAFTA awards. In addition to its success in the major categories, “Oppenheimer” also received accolades for editing, cinematography, original score, and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr.
Another standout at the awards ceremony was the gothic fantasy “Poor Things,” which took home five awards. Emma Stone was named best actress for her portrayal of Bella Baxter in the steampunk-style visual spectacle. The Holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest” also received recognition with three awards.
Notably, “Oppenheimer” received 13 nominations but did not break the record of nine trophies set in 1971 by “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” However, the film emerged victorious in the best picture race, facing stiff competition from other notable titles.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Ukrainian war film “20 Days in Mariupol,” produced by The Associated Press and the PBS series “Frontline,” which won best documentary. The film captured the harrowing reality of life in the besieged city and provided a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The ceremony, hosted by “Doctor Who” star David Tennant, featured musical performances, red carpet appearances by esteemed actors, and special honors for film curator June Givanni and actress Samantha Morton, who received the BAFTA Fellowship.
As the BAFTA awards served as an appetizer to the Oscars, the event offered a vibrant showcase of the year’s cinematic achievements. With accolades for films across genres and themes, the ceremony underscored the diverse and captivating storytelling that has captivated audiences and critics alike.