Oppenheimer Sweeps BAFTA Awards, Sets Sights on Oscars
In a stunning turn of events, Oppenheimer has emerged as the clear frontrunner for this year’s Best Picture at both the BAFTA and Oscars. After eight consecutive years of the two awards shows failing to align on their choice for Best Picture, it seems that Oppenheimer’s flawless run towards the Academy Awards is about to break the streak. With seven wins at the BAFTA Awards, including the coveted top prize, Oppenheimer adds to its previous victories at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and DGA awards. It’s safe to say that everything is going according to plan for this remarkable film.
Netflix, on the other hand, faced disappointment at this year’s BAFTAs. Despite receiving seven nominations for Masestro and twelve overall, the streaming giant was completely shut out. This trend extended to all streaming platforms, with Apple Original Films going zero for nine with Killers Of The Flower Moon and Amazon’s MGM Studios label failing to secure any wins despite five nominations for Saltburn. It seems that the traditional theatrical releases are dominating the awards season thus far.
However, the night’s biggest surprise came from Orion/Amazon MGM Studios/Curson’s American Fiction. Despite receiving only one nomination for Adapted Screenplay, the film managed to secure a victory in this category. It’s worth noting that American Fiction has yet to have a streaming run announced for Amazon, unlike its competitors. This unexpected win may give American Fiction an edge at the Oscars, where it will face off against formidable opponents such as Nolan, McNamara, and Glazer. The film’s position as a Best Picture nominee and its two acting nominations also work in its favor.
Cord Jefferson, the first-time screenwriter and director of American Fiction, expressed his disbelief at winning in his acceptance speech. Against all odds, his film triumphed over four British nominees with a collective 39 BAFTA nominations. This win not only highlights the impressive achievement of American Fiction but also signals a significant shift in the BAFTAs’ recognition of diverse storytelling.
Looking ahead to the Oscars, Cillian Murphy’s Best Actor victory for Oppenheimer at the BAFTAs was crucial in his race against Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers. Both actors had previously won Golden Globes, with Giamatti securing a Critics Choice Award. The upcoming SAG Awards will be a decisive moment for these two contenders as they go head to head once again. Additionally, Lily Gladstone’s momentum for Killers Of The Flower Moon seems to be waning, with Emma Stone’s Poor Things gaining traction after winning the Critics Choice and BAFTA awards.
In terms of overall momentum, Poor Things emerged as a strong contender with five BAFTA wins compared to Killers Of The Flower Moon’s zero. Robert Downey Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph also solidified their positions as frontrunners after adding BAFTA to their list of victories. Barring any unexpected surprises at the SAG Awards, it seems likely that they will triumph at the Oscars.
The alignment between the BAFTA and Oscar voters this year indicates that BAFTA is returning to a similar trajectory as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. After a few years of diverging opinions, it appears that Oppenheimer is now the film to beat in the race for Best Picture. As the awards season progresses, all eyes will be on Oppenheimer and its journey towards Oscar glory.
