Conclave Makes History at the 2023 EE British Academy Film Awards
The 2023 EE British Academy Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, delivered a thrilling twist in what has been an unpredictable awards season. Conclave, a gripping thriller about the selection of a new pope, directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, took home the prestigious Best Film award. This victory marked a turning point for the film, which had previously flown under the radar in major award ceremonies this season. Despite stiff competition from highly acclaimed films like Sean Baker’s Anora, Adrien Brody’s The Brutalist, the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, and Emilia Pérez, Conclave emerged victorious, solidifying its place as a contender in the race for the Oscars.
The film’s success at the BAFTAs was not limited to Best Film. It also won Best Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Outstanding British Film, taking home a total of four awards. While these categories are often considered smaller or more technical, they are no less significant in recognizing the craftsmanship that goes into filmmaking. The win for Best Film, however, is the most coveted prize of the night and a major boost for Conclave as it heads into the final stretch of awards season.
Conclave’s Best Film Victory Adds Momentum to Its Oscar Campaign
The BAFTAs are often seen as a strong indicator of Oscar success, given the significant overlap between the voting bodies of both organizations. Conclave’s Best Film win at the BAFTAs could be a game-changer for its chances at the Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2. While Anora had been gaining momentum after winning major honors at the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America awards, Conclave’s strong showing at the BAFTAs has shaken up the race.
The film’s director, Edward Berger, expressed his deep humility and gratitude during his acceptance speech, while the cast, including Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, looked visibly stunned and overjoyed by the win. Rossellini, who plays a nun in the film, was particularly emotional, smiling broadly throughout Berger’s speech. The excitement of the Conclave team was palpable, and their reaction highlighted the significance of this achievement for the filmmakers.
Brady Corbet and Adrien Brody Shine with The Brutalist
While Conclave took the top prize, The Brutalist also had a standout night, winning four awards, including Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Leading Actor for Adrien Brody. The Brutalist, which tells the story of a Jewish architect rebuilding his life in the U.S. after the Holocaust, was a strong contender throughout the ceremony. Corbet’s victory in the Best Director category was a notable upset, as he defeated Berger, Sean Baker (Anora), Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two), and Coralie Fargeat (The Substance).
Adrien Brody’s win for Best Leading Actor was equally impressive, as he faced fierce competition from Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Hugh Grant (Heretic), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice). Brody’s performance in The Brutalist has been widely praised for its depth and nuance, and his BAFTA win further cements his reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Mikey Madison Triumphs in the Leading Actress Category
In the Leading Actress category, Mikey Madison delivered a powerful performance in Anora, a dramedy about an exotic dancer who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Madison’s win was a highlight of the evening, as she beat out Demi Moore (The Substance), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths), and Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun). During her acceptance speech, Madison took a moment to acknowledge the sex worker community, saying, “I see you. You deserve respect and human decency.” Her words resonated deeply with the audience and added a poignant moment to the ceremony.
Karla Sofía Gascón, a nominee for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, was notably absent from the event. Her absence followed the resurfacing of controversial social media posts in which she made derogatory comments about Muslims and George Floyd, among others. Despite her absence, Gascón was acknowledged by Jacques Audiard, the director of Emilia Pérez, who thanked her during his acceptance speech for Best Film Not in the English Language. Zoe Saldaña also name-checked Gascón while accepting her award for Best Supporting Actress, ensuring that the actress’s contributions to the film were recognized despite the surrounding controversy.
The BAFTAs Highlight a Chaotic and Unpredictable Awards Season
The 2023 BAFTAs encapsulated the unpredictability of this year’s awards season, where no single film has dominated the major ceremonies. While Conclave and The Brutalist were the big winners of the night, other films like Anora and Emilia Pérez also left their mark on the event. The ceremony also showcased the diversity of this year’s contenders, with films ranging from historical dramas to body-horror gross-outs, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience.
The BAFTAs also highlighted the impact of timing and momentum in awards season. Conclave’s strong showing could propel it to Oscar glory, but the competition remains fierce. Films like Anora and The Brutalist have already proven their strength in previous ceremonies, and it’s anyone’s guess which film will ultimately take home the Best Picture Oscar.
A Night of Triumph and Controversy
The 2023 BAFTAs were a celebration of cinematic excellence, but they were not without their controversies. Karla Sofía Gascón’s absence and the resurfacing of her past comments added a layer of tension to the evening, while Mikey Madison’s powerful speech brought attention to an often-marginalized community. Meanwhile, the Best Supporting Actor award went to Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain, adding to the evening’s surprises.
In the end, the BAFTAs were a reminder of the power of film to tell stories that resonate with audiences and challenge societal norms. Whether through the political intrigue of Conclave, the emotional depth of The Brutalist, or the bold statements of Anora, this year’s nominees showcased the diversity and creativity of contemporary cinema. As the awards season progresses, one thing is certain: the Oscars will be a night to remember.
