Bafta is taking a security breach “very seriously” after a social media prankster gatecrashed Sunday night’s best film acceptance speech.
The man, named as YouTuber Lizwani, stood in the background as director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and actor Cillian Murphy accepted their prestigious award for Oppenheimer.
Dressed in a black suit and tie, he did not make any notable gestures or attempt to speak.
The individual seemingly blended in with the movie trio at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank Centre.
Neither they, the audience or security reacted to his presence on stage at the event attended by William, the Prince of Wales.
At one point during the speech, he tucked what appeared to be a wire into his pocket as Thomas spoke of her love for Magnus Nolan, her son with Christopher.
The prankster was seen to briefly talk to Irish actor Murphy, who won best actor.
A Bafta spokesman said: “A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage.
“We are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further.”
Bafta did not name the individual who has not yet posted about the stunt on YouTube or TikTok.
He is previously thought to have infiltrated exclusive events including the Brit Awards, MOBOs and the Ballon d’Or football awards in France.
William, who is president of the arts charity, sat in the front row of the 2,400-seat auditorium in his first high-profile royal engagement since his wife’s operation.
At the prestigious film event last year, he was accompanied by the Princess of Wales, who had abdominal surgery on January 16 at the London Clinic and has since returned home to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be with their three children.
The prince made apologies for Kate’s absence at a short meet and greet before the ceremony, saying she loves the Bafta film awards.
For the ceremony, William sat in the front row next to Australian actress and Earthshot Prize council member Cate Blanchett, briefly greeting former footballer David Beckham before the awards got underway.
After all the gongs had been awarded, William met with some of the nominees of the rising star award – won by the star of coming-of-age film How To Have Sex, Mia McKenna-Bruce.
The prince also spoke to the director and producer of Zone Of Interest, Jonathan Glazer and James Wilson, whose movie won the Bafta for outstanding British film.
