The atmosphere is electric as the 2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards prepare to commence at London’s iconic Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. Though the ceremony has yet to begin, with a broadcast delay scheduled for two hours, the excitement is palpable. Deadline is on-site, relaying the moments leading up to this prestigious occasion through a liveblog, providing audiences with a sneak peek at the glitz and glamour that the BAFTAs promise.
Returning to helm the event is the charismatic David Tennant, who is undertaking this role for the second consecutive year. His hosting duties are expected to blend humor and charm, setting a lively tone for the evening. The performances lined up for the evening further heighten the anticipation. British pop group Take That will entertain the audience with their heartfelt hit “Greatest Day,” while acclaimed actor and musician Jeff Goldblum will showcase his piano skills during the emotional In Memoriam segment, honoring filmmaking legends who have passed away.
The competitive nature of the BAFTAs is accentuated by the impressive roster of nominees. At the forefront is Edward Berger’s Conclave, boasting an impressive 12 nominations, signaling its critical acclaim within the industry. Following closely are Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez and Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, with 11 and 9 nominations respectively. Other notable films include Sean Baker’s Anora and Universal’s Wicked, both standing at 7 nominations, alongside Timothée Chalamet’s A Complete Unknown, which received six. The diverse mix of film genres and storytelling underscores the rich tapestry of contemporary cinema.
As film aficionados speculate on potential winners, it is worth reflecting on the unpredictability of the BAFTA awards. The prior year provided shocking revelations, as none of the eight major awards handed out were replicated at the Oscars. For instance, Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front struck gold at the BAFTAs, only for Everything Everywhere All at Once to triumph stateside. This historical context suggests that selections by the British Academy might not necessarily indicate outcomes at other major award shows, adding an intriguing layer to the evening’s proceedings.
The upcoming ceremony is not without its share of controversies, particularly surrounding Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón, who is reported to be absent from the event amid discussions regarding the film. The ripple effects of such controversies may well play a role in its reception at the BAFTAs, creating additional suspense in the air. Notably, co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez are anticipated to attend, both of whom are nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Their presence, along with other high-profile guests such as Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Adrien Brody, and Colman Domingo, guarantees an evening filled with highlights.
The event is set to be further elevated by a lineup of prestigious guest presenters. Renowned actors such as Mark Hamill, who may confer the BAFTA Fellowship upon co-star Warwick Davis, and influential figures like Pamela Anderson and Lupita Nyong’o are all part of the festivities. Their contributions will undoubtedly enhance the evening’s celebratory atmosphere, marking the BAFTAs as a night where cinematic artistry is commemorated.
The 2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards promise to be a compelling blend of recognition, reflection, and entertainment. With a diverse range of nominees and a star-studded guest list, the event is squarely positioned to be one of the highlights of the film awards season.