Nomadland Wins Big – BAFTA Awards Go Virtual, but Some Stars Land on Stage
London’s BAFTA awards this week turned into a true “road trip” of its own. While the ceremony ran on two evenings from home, a handful of actors snagged a seat at Royal Albert Hall, proving the event crossed continents real quick.
Nomadland Takes the Crown
- Chloe Zhao, the film’s Chinese‑born director, snagged “Best Film” and “Director” titles.
- Frances McDormand delivered a heroic performance as an elderly widow who turns a van into a rolling sanctuary after the U.S. recession.
- The movie also stole the “Cinematography” prize, while the inside story reminds us that surviving a recession is nothing short of a cinematic, odorous adventure.
Zhao, holding the director trophy, rolled out a heartfelt pledge to the real‑life van‑campers that inspired her: “Thank you for showing us that ageing is beautiful, a journey we all should cherish. How we treat our elders reveals who we are as a society – we gotta do better.”
British Powers Surge
- The Outstanding British film honored was Promising Young Woman, a no‑nonsense #MeToo revenge drama that also won the “Original Screenplay” award.
- Even Prince Philip’s passing last Friday was met with a rueful nod – the late royal, BAFTA’s first president at 99, had his balding britches and his grandson, Prince William, now the academy’s modern-day figurehead.
Actors of Colour in the Limelight
Faced with a past flop where all the nominees were white, this year’s lineup had a majority of actors who bring color to the screen:
- Anthony Hopkins claimed “Leading Actor” for his brain‑twitching portrayal of a man battling dementia in The Father—he chuckled that his 83rd birthday was the “easy” part of the film.
- Youn Yuh‑jung, at 73, won supporting actress for Minari. Her acceptance speech was a delightful roast, joking that being praised by “snobby British people” was oddly meaningful.
- Daniel Kaluuya took home “Supporting Actor” for his unforgettable portrayal of activist Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah.
Legendary Directors Earn Lifetime Recognition
- Ang Lee, the master behind Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi, received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship.
And while many scholars logged in from their living rooms, Hugh Grant and Priyanka Chopra Jonas wisely chose to march onto the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Even Renee Zellweger and Anna Kendrick had to navigate from a Los Angeles studio, proving that even the digital age can’t fully replace the joy of a physical gathering.
Takeaway
From the bustling capital to a van‑driven courtroom drama, this year’s BAFTAs reminded us that film is a global, collaborative adventure. Whether delivered on screen or through a Green‑Screen check‑in, the awards showcased the magic of storytelling—packed with laughter, emotion, and a smoky, slightly off‑beat celebration of life’s varied journey.
