‘The Power of the Dog’ wins best picture as ‘Dune’ collects five trophies at UK’s BAFTAs
nypost.comas the British Academy Film Awards returned Sunday with a live, black-tie ceremony after a pandemic-curtailed event in 2021.Jane Campion was named best director for “The Power of the Dog,” only the third woman to win the prize in the awards’ 75-year history.Lead acting trophies went to Hollywood star Will Smith and British performer Joanna Scanlan, as an event that has worked to overcome a historic lack of diversity recognized a wide range of talents — including the first deaf acting winner in Troy Kotsur for “CODA.”Last year’s awards ceremony was largely conducted online, with only the hosts and presenters appearing in person.
This year’s return to in-person celebration at London’s Royal Albert Hall took place in the shadow of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.British film academy chairman Krishnendu Majumdar opened the show, hosted by Australian actor-comedian Rebel Wilson, with a message of support for Ukraine.“We stand in solidarity with those who are bravely fighting for their country and we share their hope for a return to peace,” he said.After that came the glitz, with 85-year-old diva Shirley Bassey and a live orchestra performing “Diamonds Are Forever” to mark the 60th anniversary of the James Bond films.“Bond is turning 60, and his girlfriends are turning 25,” joked host Wilson, who toned down her usual bawdy material for the ceremony’s early-evening TV broadcast on the BBC.Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, took five trophies from its 11 nominations: visual effects, production design, sound, Greig Fraser’s cinematography and Hans Zimmer’s score.“The Power of the Dog,” set in 1920s Montana and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a ranch owner, was nominated in eight categories and.
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