Last night’s BAFTAs have to go down as the most entertaining of all of the awards shows this season. That in part is due to the fabulous Stephen Fry. He has to be the host of hosts. All awards shows should either be hosted by him or hosts should look to him as an example of how to host an awards ceremony. He was natural, witty and there were no forced or cringe moments. He also moved the show along at a nice pace and had one of my favourite closing speeches ever.

“It has always been true to say that we live in dark and difficult times, but it has never been truer than today. In times of austerity, doubt, darkness, and fear, films can allow us to escape from the burdens and hardships of life. And they can shine a light on injustice. Films can reduce us to quivering wrecks with laughter, to help us forget and it can stun us with truth to help us remember. There’s no right or wrong genre or style of film. Next year more stories will have been put together to remind us that the art of movie storytelling is more alive than ever, blessed with as much creative talent as it ever has been in its history. I am so proud to have been allowed to stand here tonight as your host. Let’s all keep lining up for tickets and sitting in the dark. Support your local cinema, live and love film. From us all, thankyou and goodnight.”

But the BAFTAs weren’t all about Fry, awards were handed out too. Not surprisingly The Artist was the big winner of the night. It took home seven awards including Best Picture, Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin.

Below are some of my highlights of the night

Stephen Fry’s closing. Actually Stephen Fry full stop! Here’s his opening speech which included getting Brad Pitt to blow us a kiss

Best acceptance speech: Jean Dujardin (not only is he a great actor but he is showing the world that he can be creative and witty with his speeches. I love that he managed to include Benny Hill and Buster Keaton in the one speech!)

Cinderella Moment: Colin Firth and Meryl Streep

Funniest presenters: Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. I hope we see this comedy double act more often.

Legend: Martin Scorsese picked up the BAFTA Fellowship. No need to say anything more than he is an absolute legend! My Hero! I know this is not about me, but this year I came the closest I ever have to interviewing my hero. Unfortunately it fell through at the last minute but I do dream that one day I will be sitting face to face with this legend!  Maybe for his next film?

Below is the full list of winners:

Outstanding British Film: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer (Beginners)

Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer (The Help)

Production Design: Hugo

Outstanding Debut By A British Director, Producer or Writer: Paddy Considine and Diarmid Scrimshaw (Tyrannosaur)

Special Visual Effects: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows

Outstanding contribution to British cinema: John Hurt

Orange Rising Star Award: Adam Deacon

Best documentary: Senna

Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)

Best actress: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Best actor: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Best film: (The Artist)

Best animated film: Rango

Best film not in the English language: Pedro Almodóvar (The Skin I live In)

Best production and sound: Martin Scorsese (Hugo)

Best editing: Senna

Best Original Screenplay: The Artist

Original music: The Artist

Best costume design: The Artist

Best cinematography: The Artist

Short Film: Pitch Black Heist, John Maclean, Gerardine O’Flynn

Best adapted screenplay: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

BAFTA Fellowship: Martin Scorsese

We are almost at the end of award season. The next big one, and the one that closes the award season, is the Academy Awards on Sunday February 26.

That’s Entertainment!
Sarina 🙂