Conclave wins best film at British Academy Film Awards

Papal drama Conclave sweeps British Academy Film Awards

The British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday saw Conclave take home four prestigious awards, including the coveted best picture prize. The film, which delves into the intense world of papal elections, stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal navigating through the complexities of electing a new pope. Conclave also secured wins for outstanding British film, editing, and adapted screenplay.

Another standout film of the night was The Brutalist, a captivating post-Second World War tale following a Hungarian architect forging a new life in America. The movie, directed by Brady Corbet, received four BAFTA trophies, with Adrien Brody winning best actor for his role and Mikey Madison taking home the best actress award for her captivating performance in Anora.

Emilia Pérez, a narco-musical with 11 nominations, clinched the prize for best film not in the English language. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, was also recognized with the best director award. However, controversy surrounded the absence of best actress nominee Karla Sofia Gascón, who withdrew from promoting the film due to backlash over her controversial social media posts.

Despite the controversy, Audiard expressed gratitude towards the cast and crew of Emilia Pérez in his acceptance speech. Co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez were commended for their contributions to the film, with Saldaña winning best supporting actress for her role as a lawyer assisting the protagonist in her journey of self-discovery.

In a lighter moment, Kieran Culkin was named best supporting actor for his performance in A Real Pain, a heartwarming story of cousins exploring their heritage in Poland. The film’s writer, director, and co-star Jesse Eisenberg was awarded best original screenplay, humorously acknowledging his wife’s skepticism about his chances of winning.

The British Academy Film Awards celebrated a diverse range of cinematic achievements, highlighting the talent and creativity within the industry. With compelling storytelling and exceptional performances, the winning films have left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.