78th British Academy Film Awards Highlight Key Controversies and Potential Oscars Contenders

LONDON — The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) are set to take center stage on Sunday, with papal thriller “Conclave” leading the pack with 12 nominations. The nominations include best picture, best director for Edward Berger, and best actor for Ralph Fiennes. However, the most talked-about contender this year is the genre-bending musical “Emilia Pérez,” facing scrutiny from multiple fronts.

“Emilia Pérez” in the Spotlight Despite Controversy

“Emilia Pérez,” which boasts 11 nominations, including best picture and best director for Jacques Audiard, has faced a multi-pronged backlash. Best-actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays a transgender ex-cartel boss, has withdrawn from promoting the film due to her controversial remarks disparaging Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars. The Mexican-set melodrama has also drawn criticism for its depiction of the country and its controversial portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters.

Audiard has publicly condemned Gascón’s remarks as “absolutely hateful.” Meanwhile, the film’s largely non-Mexican cast and its perceived stereotypical representation of Mexico have raised further objections from several groups.

From BAFTAs to Oscars: Predicting the Winners

The British Academy Film Awards, known colloquially as the BAFTAs, often serve as a strong indicator of Oscar winners, given the tight race in the current awards season. Here are some key contenders for the best film awards:

• “Conclave”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “The Brutalist” by Brady Corbet (nine nominations)
• Sean Baker’s “Anora” (seven nominations)
• James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” (six nominations)

The nominees in the leading actor category include Adrien Brody, Ralph Fiennes, and Timothée Chalamet, who faces another tight competition against Hugh Grant, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan.

In the leading actress category, it’s notable that none of the nominees—Karla Sofía Gascón, Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, Saoirse Ronan, Cynthia Erivo, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste—have won this award before. Cynthia Erivo and Marianne Jean-Baptiste will be the first non-white winners if they win, marking a significant milestone for diversity in the film industry.

How the BAFTAs Addressed Diversity

In 2020, the BAFTAs launched significant measures to increase diversity within their nominations. This followed a period where no women were nominated for best director for seven consecutive years and all 20 nominees in the lead and supporting performer categories were white. The voting process was amended to include an initial longlist round, ensuring a more inclusive pool of nominees.

Contenders for the Rising Star award, determined by public vote, include Mikey Madison, Marisa Abela, Jharrel Jerome, David Jonsson, and Nabhaan Rizwan. Warwick Davis, an actor best known for his portrayal in “Willow” and “Return of the Jedi,” will be honored with the BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to film and his efforts to promote inclusion.

Certainties and Changes: The BAFTAs Lineup

Hosting the awards ceremony will be the former “Doctor Who” star, David Tennant. However, the Los Angeles wildfires may overshadow the festivities, affecting ceiling outings. Notably, Jamie Lee Curtis, nominated for “The Last Showgirl,” will be absent. Her co-star Pamela Anderson will accept her award if Curtis wins.

Less typical of recent years will be the absence of royal figures at the event. Neither Prince William nor his wife, Kate, will attend, marking a change from previous traditions.

The ceremony will feature performances by Take That, whose hit “Greatest Day” is featured in the soundtrack of “Anora,” and a musical tribute by Jeff Goldblum to those who passed away in the past year.

The event is set to air on BBC in the United Kingdom and BritBox in North America, starting at 1900 GMT (2 PM EST).

Why the BAFTAs Matter

The BAFTAs hold significant weight in the film industry, not least because they are a strong predictor of Oscar winners. Their commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion means more visibility and recognition for underrepresented voices in the film industry. This year’s nominations and ongoing controversies highlight the continued struggles and progress toward greater inclusivity and portrayal accuracy in film.

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