BAFTAs Bring Us One Step Closer to the Oscars

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) were held Sunday night in London, and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” continued its winning streak. The Time’s Up movement was a strong force at the ceremony as well. Many actors wore black to the ceremony and voiced support for Time’s Up in their acceptance speeches.

“Three Billboards” was the biggest winner of the night, securing awards for Best Film, Best Actress (Frances McDormand), Best Original Screenplay (Martin McDonagh), Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell) and Best British Film. Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” was the runner-up with three awards: Best Director (del Toro), Production Design, and Original Music. “Shape of Water” went into the ceremony with the most nominations.

Gary Oldman won Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour,” not surprising given the British subject of the film. Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “I, Tonya.”

“Blade Runner: 2049” won Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, “Dunkirk,” which also has a British focus, won Best Sound, and “Baby Driver” won Best Editing. “Call Me By Your Name” won Best Adapted Screenplay, “Phantom Thread” won for Costume Design, and “Darkest Hour” won for Makeup and Hair. Daniel Kaluuya, star of “Get Out,” received the Rising Star Award.

The Time’s Up movement was a formidable presence at the ceremony. Many British stars joined Hollywood actors and actresses in the movement. In addition, nearly all attendees wore black to the ceremony and several stars brought activists as their guests.

Frances McDormand and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, notably did not comply with the unofficial all-black dress code. Middleton opted to don a dark green dress, while McDormand wore a red and black dress.

During her acceptance speech, McDormand addressed her wardrobe choice. “I have a little trouble with compliance,” she began, gesturing towards her dress, “but I want you to know that I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black.”

Prior to the awards show, a protest occurred on the red carpet. Protesters from Sisters Uncut, wearing shirts that read “Time’s Up Theresa,” crossed the barricade and laid on the red carpet, chanting. They were protesting the Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which Theresa May is pushing to get passed. They were eventually removed from the red carpet by security.

The Oscars are now less than two weeks away, and many winners from the BAFTAs are likely to win corresponding Oscars. Gary Oldman, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, and Frances McDormand are almost certainly going to win in the acting categories. If McDormand wins, it will be her second Oscar. She previously won Best Actress for her role in “Fargo.”

“Three Billboards” also seems poised to win Best Picture. The film has dominated the awards season, and its momentum does not appear to be letting up. However, “La La Land” appeared to have it in the bag last year, but ultimately lost to “Moonlight.” We will have to wait and see who will take the top prize.