Richard E. Grant hosted the star-studded event in an unlikely duo with Alison Hammond, who spent most of the ceremony chatting away backstage to a host of names in a format not unlike a glammed-up talk show. This year saw a major change in the show’s broadcasting, with the final four awards airing live from the Royal Albert Hall as opposed the usual pre-recorded show.
All was not quiet for German-language drama All Quiet on the Western Front, as Sunday night saw the film sweep up 7 of its 14 nominations – including Best Film – and breaking the record for most BAFTAs won by a film not in the English language. Best Director winner Edward Berger thanked his daughter for her encouragement in making the film, and the public who had “accepted it with overwhelming love.”
While All Quiet on the Western Front picked up the biggest award of the night, the Best British Film prize went to Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin – despite its Irish setting. The film also won the Supporting Actor and Actress awards for Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon respectively.
Elvis star Austin Butler snagged the Leading Actor award for his portrayal of the Rock’n’roll legend in a surprise win, beating tough competition from Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy and current fan favourite Paul Mescal while Cate Blanchett took home her third Best Actress BAFTA, this time for her titular role in Tár. Butler’s win is particularly notable given the recent death of Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley just last month, who had nothing but praise for the project. “I want to thank the Presley family”, Butler said. “I hope I’ve made you proud.”
As always, the In Memoriam section of the ceremony was an emotional one as tributes were paid to stars including Olivia Newton-John, Burt Bacharach, Angela Lansbury, and Robbie Coltrane.
Sandy Powell also made history as she became the first costume designer to take away the esteemed BAFTA Fellowship award, dedicating her win “to [her] mum, and mothers everywhere”. The recognition comes 31 years after Powell was banned from the BAFTA after-party for a pro-gay acceptance speech.