| |
LONDON : "Slumdog Millionaire" swept the board at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in London on Sunday, winning seven out of 11 awards.
The rags-to-riches story of a Mumbai tea boy took home the awards for best film, best director for Danny Boyle, best adapted screenplay for Simon Beaufoy as well as the music, cinematography, editing and sound prizes.
Sharing the best film award with the people of Mumbai, producer Christian Colson said: "Our amazing cast and crew in Mumbai realised the dream, with their blood and sweat and tears and love."
"Slumdog Millionaire” actor Dev Patel who was nominated for leading actor, told reporters that instead of hoping to win an award, the main thing he wanted from the night was to meet actor Brad Pitt.
"I’m 18 years old and I’m at the BAFTAs!" said Petel, who still lives with his parents and sister in Harrow, north-west London.
The star-studded awards ceremony also saw Kate Winslet beat rivals Angelina Jolie, Kristin Scott Thomas and Meryl Streep to pick up the BAFTA for leading actress for her role as a former Nazi prison camp guard in “The Reader” while Mickey Rourke took the leading actor gong for "The Wrestler".
As expected, the late Heath Ledger was awarded with a posthumous BAFTA for best supporting actor for his menacing performance in "The Dark Night", while Penelope Cruz was named best supporting actress for her role in the Woody Allen’s romantic drama, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona".
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" which was nominated for 11 awards, finished the night with just three trophies for best production design, make up and hair, and special visual effects.
Black comedy “In Bruges” won best original screenplay, while “I’ve Loved You So Long” was awarded for best non-English language film. James Marsh’s “Man on Wire’ won the BAFTA for outstanding British film.
The BAFTAs are seen by many as an indicator of who will win at the Oscars which is considered as the biggest honour in the film industry. All eyes will be on “Slumdog Millionaire” once again as it takes centre stage at the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 22.
- CNA/km
|
