Sponsored by
Film greats transformed into soap stars at Baftas
Hollywood legends had to wade through oozing soap suds on a sodden red carpet as they arrived at a rain-lashed Odeon, Leicester Square, last night for the Baftas, the British version of the Oscars.
Kevin Spacey, presenting the prize for best foreign film, made light of the white smears which had appeared on many of the stars’ outfits.
He joked: “What was that horrible soapy substance coming off the red carpet? Because Judi Dench’s shoes are ruined.”
Ceremony host Stephen Fry suggested: “I think it’s the years of greasy flattery given to actors which is finally bubbling up.”
York-born Dame Judi landed her eighth British Academy title, just months after she was given a Bafta fellowship, winning the best actress prize for her performance in Iris.
Dame Judi, who is up for an Oscar for her portrayal of the novelist Irish Murdoch, beat Nicole Kidman – who attended the event in a revealing black velvet dress – as well as Sissy Spacek and Renee Zellweger to the award.
Fantasy epic The Lord Of The Rings swept the board by landing five awards – including best film.
But British-made Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone was snubbed, despite landing eight nominations.
Russell Crowe, an Oscar winner last year, triumphed in the best actor category – beating Lord Of The Rings star Sir Ian McKellen to the prize.
He played a schizophrenic maths genius, John Nash, in the acclaimed film A Beautiful Mind and his co-star, Jennifer Connelly, took the best supporting actor prize.
The Rings haul also included a best director prize for Peter Jackson, and the Orange audience award, which is voted for by cinemagoers.
It completed its cache with technical prizes, special effects and make-up.
It is a huge vote of confidence for The Lord Of The Rings, which was one of the biggest leaps of faith in cinema history.
Flamboyant turn-of-the-century musical Moulin Rouge – which like Rings was up for 13 awards – landed three prizes.
They were for Jim Broadbent’s best supporting actor performance, best sound and best music.
Broadbent is up for an Oscar next month as best supporting actor for his role in Iris.
Gosford Park, the comic period drama made by US director Robert Altman but financed from the UK, was named outstanding British film of the year. It also took the prize for best costume design.
Nicole Kidman may not have landed a prize, but she won the plaudits for her outfit.
The actress chose a black velvet off-the-shoulder, ankle length gown by Yves Saint Laurent, slashed at the cleavage.
The Australian star emphasised her curves with a push-up bra, drawing gasps from the hundreds gathered in Leicester Square to see her arrival.
She even braved the weather by turning up without a coat and with merely a brolly, held by an aide, for cover.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 31 mph
Wind direction: West
