The 77th EE BAFTA Awards showcased the crème de la crème of the film industry, gathering at the illustrious Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday.
Actor David Tennant took the reins as host for the evening, joined by a lineup of esteemed presenters who bestowed awards throughout the event.
Oppenheimer emerged triumphant, clinching the coveted Best Film award and dominating several key categories. The gripping biographical epic secured an impressive seven awards, including Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., and Best Director for Christopher Nolan.
However, it wasn't just the winners that captured attention. The evening was brimming with emotional, humorous, and awe-inspiring moments on stage as the stars came together to honour the finest films of 2023.
Let’s take a look at them below:
Michael J. Fox’s Standing Ovation
Michael J. Fox received a standing ovation after making a surprise appearance at the EE Bafta film awards.
The Back To The Future film series star was described as a “true legend of cinema” by David Tennant, who introduced Fox on to the stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Fox – who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease a year after Back To The Future Part III was released in 1990 – presented the best film award which was won by Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
The 62-year-old was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers from the audience as he came on stage in a wheelchair but stood at the podium.
Hugh Grant’s Rhyming
Hugh Grant entertained the audience at the Bafta ceremony with a series of Wonka-style rhymes.
The British actor had a scene-stealing turn as a tiny orange Oompa-Loompa with green hair called Lofty in the musical film, which served as a movie prequel to Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
Referencing the way that Oompa-Loompa’s come up with rhymes in Wonka, also starring Timothee Chalamet as the prospective owner of a chocolate factory Willy Wonka, he spoke to the film awards’ audience on Sunday.
Ahead of presenting an award, Grant was clapped by Hollywood stars as he said: “Doompa Da De now the best director category.
“Oompa-Loompa doompa-de-dong, most of these films were frankly too long, Oompa-Loompa doompa-de-da but for some reason the nominees are…”
Then the 63-year-old showed clips of the nominated films before announcing Christopher Nolan for his first best director award.
Samantha Morton’s Speech
Samantha Morton gave an impassioned speech as she picked up her Bafta Fellowship and dedicated it “to every child in care, or who has been in care and who didn’t survive”.
The 46-year-old actress and director collected the film awards’ highest accolade from producer David Heyman, who she worked with on Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.
Visibly emotional on stage, Morton said: “This is nothing short of a miracle.
“When I first saw Ken Loach’s Kes on a huge telly that was wheeled into my classroom I was forever changed.
“Seeing poverty and people like me on the screen, I recognised myself – representation matters.”
She said she would tell her younger self: “You matter, don’t give up, the stories we tell, they have the power to change people’s lives.
“Film changed my life, it transformed me and it led me here today. I dedicate this award to every child in care, or who has been in care and who didn’t survive.”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Rip-Roaring Performance
Sophie Ellis-Bextor performs “Murder on the Dancefloor” at the #EEBAFTAs
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 18, 2024
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Sophie Ellis-Bextor delivered an electrifying rendition of her iconic 2000s anthem, Murder On The Dancefloor, at the Awards ceremony.
The chart-topper experienced a resurgence last year following its inclusion in Emerald Fennell's acclaimed film, Saltburn.
Gracing the stage at London's Royal Festival Hall, Sophie captivated in a striking black and orange puffball gown. Her ensemble featured a dramatic black netted skirt with an orange overlay, paired with a daring plunging corset top.
The viral closing scene of Saltburn, featuring Barry Keoghan's character dancing nude around the Saltburn mansion, prominently showcased Sophie's timeless hit.
The 2024 British Academy Film Awards saw an amusing exchange between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as she took to the stage during Sunday's ceremony.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s Sweet Exchange
Emma Stone clinched the Leading Actress award for her stellar portrayal in Poor Things, and as she made her way to the podium, her former co-star Ryan Gosling flashed a cheeky wink her way.
Their on-screen chemistry had previously lit up screens in La La Land and Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Both luminaries found themselves nominated once more at this year's ceremony, with Gosling earning a nod for his role in Barbie and Stone for her performance in Poor Things.
Fans of the duo rejoiced at their mutual support on the grand stage, with one writing on X, formerly Twitter, “Sebastian applauding Mia Dolan actually," referencing their characters from La La Land.
Ted Lasso Star’s Skit Falls Flat
Some BAFTA viewers found themselves reaching for the remote due to a cringeworthy 'epic fail' involving a star from Ted Lasso.
Nick Mohammed, in his persona as Mr. Swallow, took to the stage, but not everyone was won over by the performance.
Sporting his alter-ego from Leeds, a character he's portrayed on both stage and screen for over a decade, Mohammed rolled onto the scene on roller skates amidst the glitz and glamour of the event.
Following the “unfunny” act, one disgruntled fan vented on X, saying, "Who thought this was funny? It's just cringe and uncomfortable #BAFTAs." Another viewer expressed, "Oh my god, it was terrible! Utterly cringeworthy and not funny at all! What was even the point?! #BAFTAs."
Another viewer concurred, saying, "I had to switch channels. I just couldn't watch it. #BAFTAs."
