Film

Cate Blanchett Said ‘Bastard’, Brangelina Wore Matching Tuxedos, And Other Highlights From Today’s BAFTAs

It was British film's night of nights, which pretty much says everything.

by Katie Booth  17 February 2014

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When the nominations for the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) were announced early last month, it was revealed that 12 Years A Slave — the film directed and co-produced by Britain’s Steve McQueen and starring British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor — would not be nominated in the ‘Outstanding British Film’ category (apparently, it’s not considered a British film, although Gravity — the eventual winner — was: see BAFTA rules). Still, that couldn’t stop the film from cleaning up the other big categories at today’s ceremony, including ‘Best Picture’ and ‘Best Actor’.

Aussies Cate Blanchett and Catherine Martin were also among the big winners at the event, held at the Royal Opera House in London and hosted by everyone’s best friend, Stephen Fry. But what else happened?

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“Phil, buddy, this is for you, you bastard. I hope you’re proud.”

In her winners’ acceptance speech for ‘Best Actress’ for Blue Jasmine, Cate Blanchett praised the late Philip Seymour Hoffman for his “monumental talent, generosity, and unflinching quest for truth.” And then in true Aussie style, she called him a “bastard”.

While Baz Luhrmann missed out on a ‘Best Director’ nomination for The Great Gatsby, his wife Catherine Martin took out two awards: ‘Best Costume Design’ and ‘Best Production Design’. Grounds for a bit of spousal rivalry perhaps?

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Helen Mirren brought along her ‘grandson’, Prince William

Or so host Stephen Fry commented in his opening monologue. As the Duke of Cambridge handed the ‘Academy Fellowship for Outstanding Contribution to Film’ to the actress, he joked, “I should probably call you granny.” And then he high-fived Tinie Tempah.

Some media reports suggested that Fry (now neatly bearded) went “gentle” in his opening monologue this year, following last year’s controversial digs at Scientology and “crude sexual references“. Still, there was some noise on Twitter when the host praised 12 Years A Slave, saying he hoped it would be “24 years a slave”.

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Jennifer Lawrence won, sans Oscars-style trip

Everybody’s favourite human took out the gong for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her role in American Hustle. Sadly, she wasn’t even there on the night, which meant no repeat of this:

American Hustle director David O. Russell accepted the award on her behalf, which also meant no repeat of this:

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Barkhad Abdi, the first-time actor from Tom Hanks’ Captain Phillips, had the best upset of the night  

The 28-year-old Somali-American took out the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ category from 12 Years A Slave‘s odds-on favourite, Michael Fassbender.

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Brangelina went matchy-matchy, and stole the show

Even the battle between 12 Years A Slave (which picked up ‘Best Picture’) and Gravity (which cleaned up in six categories) could not be overshadowed by the fashion choices of Brangelina. The duo — who were at the awards to support 12 Years A Slave, which Pitt co-produced — wore matching tuxes, and “stole the show” on the red carpet.

Insert own “wears the pants” joke here if you must.

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See the full list of winners here, and try to figure out what it all means for your Oscar sweeps money-making chances.