A “social media prankster” invaded the stage during the best picture presentation at the Bafta film awards in London on Sunday.
Bafta said in a statement: “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.”
In footage screened on BBC One, the man, wearing a dark suit, walked on to the stage as Oppenheimer producer Emma Thomas was making her acceptance speech, alongside the film’s director Christopher Nolan and lead actor Cillian Murphy. Having stood behind Thomas as she spoke, he left the stage along with the film-makers, and according to Bafta was subsequently detained by security.
Looks like @LizwaniYT broke onto stage during #Oppenheimer winning at @BAFTA #Oppenheimer #BAFTA pic.twitter.com/fWvpWGN1oC
— HeWhoGeeks (@he_who_geeks) February 19, 2024
The prankster was identified on social media as a YouTuber using the name Lizwani; the same user posted on Instagram that police had taken some of his footage away. Lizwani has a history of infiltrating awards ceremonies, including the Fifa Ballon d’Or and Brit awards in 2022.
While Bafta has been spared stage invasions in the past, the Oscars has had its share, notably the celebrated appearance of a streaker in 1974, while David Niven was about to introduce another presenter.
Bafta reports that the audience for the TV broadcast of the awards show was the highest since 2020, rising to 3.8 million at its peak.
