Pope drama 'Conclave' and immigration epic 'The Brutalist' walked away with some of the biggest prizes at the BAFTA film awards on Sunday (Feb 16). 'Conclave', made by German director Edward Berger, picked up four awards in total including best film and best British film; the first time a movie has won both in the same year since the 2019 war drama, 1917. It also won best adapted screenplay and best editing.
U.S. filmmaker Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist' also won four – Corbet picked up best director while Adrien Brody won best actor for his portrayal of Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor, Laszlo Toth. The film also won best original score and cinematography.
Other winners included Mikey Madison (best actress, for Anora), Kieran Culkin (best supporting actor, for A Real Pain) and Zoe Saldana (best supporting actress, for Emilia Perez).
Anora, about a New York stripper who has a whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch, had been picking up best picture momentum ahead of the Oscars next month – but instead came away with best actress and best casting.
The best actress win for Madison was something of a surprise, despite her impressive performance in Sean Baker's film. Madison herself, on accepting the prize, said: "Wow, I really wasn't expecting this. I probably should have listened to my publicist and written a speech or something!"
The 25-year-old starred in U.S. comedy series Better Things and also had roles in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and horror film Scream. But her leading role in Anora has catapulted her into the spotlight.
Madison added: "I want to take a moment to recognise the sex worker community. I see you, you deserve respect and human decency. I will always be an ally and a friend."
Demi Moore, who stars in body horror The Substance, has been picking up best actress prizes in the last couple of months, including at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
Many thought she would win the Bafta, too. She will still be a favourite at the Oscars although Madison's Bafta win does make things more interesting.
The Substance only picked up one win on Sunday for make-up and hair. The film sees a TV aerobics presenter in her 50s (Moore) who takes a black-market drug to create a younger, more beautiful version of herself. Full of gory effects, the film is the favourite to pick up the same prize at next month's Oscars.
Which films won the most?
Conclave – 4
The Brutalist – 4
Wicked – 2
Emilia Perez – 2
Anora – 2
Dune Part 2 – 2
A Real Pain – 2
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – 2
