BAFTA Nominations

On finding out who and what films had been nominated for this year's BAFTA Awards we can honestly say that we're not too excited. Last year The King's Speech dominated the awards, seeing Colin Firth win Best Lead Actor as well as other more diverse films being nominated, such as: True Grit, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One, The Social Network and Black Swan.


We have come to the conclusion that not one film really stands out. Not to say that we didn't enjoy the majority of the films that we did watch; My Week with Marilyn, Shame, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Drive, were all worthy of a mention and even a recommendation but in comparison to last years, they don't really hold as decent, 'BAFTA nominees.'

It goes without saying that we really enjoy a Harry Potter film, (see our 'shared love' section for proof) but in our opinion the films are not really recognised for their individual talents, such as soundtrack, costume and cinematography. Last year did see the franchise win 'Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema' but it never receives the recognition it deserves for the factors which make up the series. The score for Part 2, we believe, is by far the best from all the films. It's much more epic and poignant and has evolved with the series, making for a more adult conclusion to the series.   

As we are on the subject of Harry Potter, two words: ALAN  RICKMAN. Daniel Radcliffe was a firm believer that he was going to be recognised for his role as Severus Snape but on seeing the nominations his name doesn't appear, (disappointing!) It's fair to say that Alan Rickman is a perfectionist when it comes to the film roles in which he accepts, inhabiting all his characters attributes.  It seems a shame that he has been left out of the nominations as a recognition for his portrayal as the intense, but loyal character that is Professor Snape. He's like an onion-he's got layers.

Other actors we feel have been left out are, Mia Wasikowska for her portrayal of Jane Eyre. For such a young actor she really excells in showing the intense and raw emotions in the character. When she cried, we cried and for someone to move us like that, she deserves a mention or nomination!  

Ben Kinglsey should have been nominated for best actor/supporting for Hugo, where he plays the film director Georges Melies. His heart warming performance really stands out in the film and we truly believe he could rival the actors who have been nominated.

From the nominees listed for this year, our vote would be for the following:

Best Film- Drive

A diamond in the rough! We were going through a really bad patch of films at the cinema, and we didn't really expect much from Drive, but it delivered!  Amazing soundtrack, screenplay, actors. There is not one bad thing to say about this film!

Best British Film- (Tough Call) Tinker Tailor Solider Spy

Honestly this film deserves best British film just for the amount of British talent in it. Not just the old favourites, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, but fresh talent like Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy!   

Best Actor- Michael Fassbender- Shame

This film really pushes all the boundaries and it takes someone with a great talent (pardon the pun) to pull it off. We have been a Fassbender fan for a long time, since 300 and Eden Lake and it is about time his work was recognised.


Best Actress- Michelle Williams- My Week With Marilyn

Odd choice for us, being such huge Meryl Streep fans, but Michelle Williams really takes on the persona of the tortured soul of Marilyn Monroe. This films take her far away from her early work in Dawsons Creek and shows her maturity and potential as a great actress.

Supporting Actress- Carey Mulligan for Drive

We love Carey Mulligan, but this seems to be the best out of a bad bunch. There are some film legends nominated like Judy Dench, but none of these roles really stand out for us.

Supporting Actor- Kenneth Branagh- My Week With Marilyn

Kenneth Branagh completely encapsulates the role of Laurance Olivier, even down to the very fine detailing, (a prosthetic chin) Kenneth portrayals him extremely well.

Original Music- The Artist

Being a silent film, the score for The Artist had to be good to captivate the audience. It sounds authentic to the era depicted and does its job of portraying the actions on screen.

Cinematography- Warhorse

Warhorse was visually a stunning film, Spielberg shows the natural beauty of the locations in which the film was shot in and relies on the scenery as a back drop to, at times, a very emotional, moving piece of cinema.

Director- Martin Scorcese for Hugo

Hugo sees Martin Scorcese completely stripped from his comfort zone- a complete contrast to Taxi Driver and his other well known films. It is beyond a children’s film and deals with a much more adult range of themes.

Costume- Jane Eyre

The dresses are stunning! That's all that needs to be said.

Special Effects- Tin Tin

The animation effects used by Steven Spielberg are revolutionary. Tin Tin stands out from the other films that are listed in its category. 

Make Up- The Iron Lady

Meryl Streep does not simply play the part of Margaret Thatcher- she is Margaret Thatcher. The signature hair style, blocks of colour that she is dressed in and the pearl necklace all contribute to what we today associate with the Iron Lady.

Rising Star- Tom Hiddleston 

Recognised in Thor, and more recently Warhorse, Tom Hiddleston is an acting talent which we believe has a bright future. He is very English and as such executes the parts he plays well, (bit of a dish as well- we won't lie to you!)

Enjoy the BAFTA's.