A shock loss for Timothée Chalamet
This year's Bafta Film Awards featured a mix of A-list celebrities, a royal presence, and even Paddington Bear, with the sun making a rare appearance. One of the most dramatic moments came when 33-year-old Robert Aramayo, born in Hull, won the Bafta for leading actor, defeating the favored Timothée Chalamet.
Aramayo, who starred in I Swear, claimed the award over Chalamet, who had been considered unstoppable going into the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall. Although Aramayo's win was well-earned, the announcement surprised many backstage.
Chalamet’s film, Marty Supreme, which entered the night with 11 nominations, left without any awards. The film’s narrative, about a lead character striving but failing to succeed, seemed to echo the outcome.
We learned about what films the royals have been watching
Sunday night's event was not only attended by Hollywood royalty but also by actual royalty. The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, walking the red carpet before attending the ceremony. Prince William, who is Bafta's president, also delivered a speech during the event.
Before the awards began, Prince William and Catherine shared insights into the films they have recently watched during a behind-the-scenes conversation.
Prince William described the F1 movie as "fantastic," particularly highlighting the music composed by Hans Zimmer. He admitted he had not yet seen Sinners, calling it "a bit dark." He had watched One Battle After Another and commented, "I was not expecting it to start the way it did," describing it as "weird" but good. Regarding Hamnet, he said he needs to be in a "calm state" to watch it and added, "I'm not at the moment."
Catherine, wearing a pink and white gown with a burgundy velvet belt matching William's suit jacket, said she saw the Shakespeare drama the previous Saturday. She noted that they still have "a long list of films" to watch and expressed hope that the event would help with that.
Paddington Bear gets marmalade over a Bafta (naturally)
Red carpets often bring unexpected moments, and this year, Paddington Bear made a memorable appearance. Fresh from the West End play, the beloved Peruvian bear presented the children's and family film award.
"I am the first presenter to get marmalade all over a Bafta,"Paddington remarked before handing the "slightly sticky Bafta" to the film Boong. Paddington did not adhere to the black tie dress code, but his charm made it forgivable.
Host Alan Cumming apologises for strong language
Alan Cumming, who hosted the ceremony, issued several apologies for strong language used during the event. The language was related to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette's syndrome, which was depicted in the film I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo and portraying the life of John Davidson, who has Tourette's and was present in the audience.
Cumming explained the context to the audience:
"You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette's syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone."
Later in the ceremony, he added:
"Tourette's Syndrome is a disability and the tics you've heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette's Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight."
A BBC spokesperson stated that the strong language "arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
No Bafta for KPop Demon Hunters - but what a performance
The film KPop Demon Hunters was not nominated for any Baftas. Despite its viral success on Netflix last year, it was ineligible because it was released on the streaming platform prior to any UK cinema screenings, although a singalong version was later shown in cinemas.
Nevertheless, the singers from the film performed the hit song "Golden" at the ceremony, which was one of the biggest musical successes of the previous year.
Additionally, Jessie Ware performed during the In Memoriam segment, which honors artists and creatives who passed away in the past year. She sang Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" as the tribute included figures such as Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, Brigitte Bardot, Val Kilmer, Gene Hackman, and Robert Redford.
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams go red carpet official
Paul Mescal, star of Hamnet and nominee for best actor, appeared on the red carpet with his partner, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams. Mescal wore a loose-fitting black suit with a white shirt, while Abrams attracted attention in a dark brown dress with a green floral pattern.
The couple attended the ceremony together, marking their first public red carpet appearance as a pair.
During the event, ahead of the announcement for the outstanding British film winner, Mescal was caught by host Alan Cumming glancing at his phone, resulting in a humorous moment that left Mescal red-faced.
As Cumming noted, such moments are relatable to many.
