Power of the Dog Sizzles at the BAFTAs
On Sunday, March 13, the British Academy Film Awards saw a cinematic showdown for the ages. The Power of the Dog, that brooding Western with a Victorian‑cool swagger, took home the coveted Best Film trophy. And if you thought the drama was flat, Jane Campion sliced through the clutter—snatching Best Director for her first feature since 2009’s Bright Star.
What’s the fuss all about?
- The Power of the Dog – a critically acclaimed adaptation of Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel, set on a Montana ranch in the 1920s.
- Jane Campion – the Kiwi visionary who just chalked her name up with a director’s win after a long hiatus.
- Dune – the sci‑fi juggernaut that didn’t miss its cue, scooping the most awards of the evening.
Campion’s Comeback
Picture this: a quiet Hollywood lull since 2009, then paparazzi flash moments later as Campion lands both top honours at the BAFTAs and the Directors Guild of America in Beverly Hills the very next day. Talk about a double‑header of triumph.
Why the buzz matters
With The Power of the Dog flipping the script on what a Western can do, the film’s resonant themes of power, masculinity, and the hidden undercurrents below the muddy dirt of Montana’s ranches struck a chord with critics and voters alike. And Campion? She’s back in the spotlight, proving that a polished editing degree can shine through any Hollywood intermission.
Takeaway
It’s a bittersweet moment: the old guard is still clinging to their legacy, but fresh stories like Power of the Dog are carving their own lanes. And for the entire film‑loving world, the BAFTAs reminded us that great storytelling, whether a dusty saga or interstellar odyssey, is the most powerful thing you can bring to the screen.
<img alt="" data-caption="Ron Bartlett, Theo Green, Mark Mangini and Mac Ruth pose with their award for Best Sound for "Dune" at the 75th British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, on March 13, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”745e2487-ff15-49db-be2e-c9aef815c3fb” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/SJSJS.jpeg”/>“Jane … you are a visionary whose trail blazed through the last 30 years of cinema with stories about the silenced, the under-represented and the misunderstood,” producer Tanya Seghatchian said as she accepted the award on behalf of Campion, who was absent.
“You’ve inspired legions of women to find their voices. We’re here because of you.”
Campion later briefly appeared via a video call on the phone of one of the film’s producers during the winners’ press conference, and said she was “overwhelmed”.
Hosted by Australian actress and comedian Rebel Wilson, this year’s ceremony, known as the Baftas (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), returned as a glitzy red-carpet event at London’s Royal Albert Hall, following a virtual event last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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There were references to the war in Ukraine, with some nominees wearing ribbons and badges in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag or speaking about the crisis on the red carpet and on stage.
Dune, a mammoth adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, had lead nominations with 11 nods, mainly in the creative and technical categories. It won five awards.
Belfast, Kenneth Brannagh’s semi-autobiographical black and white comedy-drama set at the onset of Northern Ireland’s three decades of conflict, won outstanding British film.
Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake won two awards, including best-supporting actress for Ariana DeBose.
Fresh from his win at the Screen Actors Guild awards, Troy Katsur, who is deaf, won supporting actor for Coda, a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family.<img alt="" data-caption="Troy Kotsur poses with his award for Best Actor in Supporting Role for "Coda" at the 75th British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain, on March 13, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”d4015008-129b-4cb0-aea3-071d3723272d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/snss_0.jpeg”/>
A Groundbreaking Night at the Oscars
“It feels like a milestone, because for a long time people have been hesitant to see deaf actors in a new light,” said Mark Kotsur during the ceremony, his words echoed through the crowd via an interpreter on the red carpet. The actor had just earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in CODA.
“Finally, people see me as an artist, not just a deaf person,” Kotsur continued, his smile wide enough to rival the lights in the ceremony halls.
Star‑Studded Winners
- Will Smith — King Richard (leading actor) – Alejandro awarded the Best Actor trophy after describing the paternal bond with Venus and Serena Williams. Although he didn’t attend the event, his prize was still a fitting nod to his performance.
- Joanna Scanlan — After Love (leading actress) – She captured the Best Actress award for her portrayal of a widow who stumbles upon a shocking secret left behind by her late husband.
Why It Matters
When a deaf actor walks onto the stage in his own right, the industry takes a step closer to removing stereotypes. The night showcased how talent transcends voice, and that the Oscars are starting to recognize the full spectrum of human expression.
