BAFTAs 2024: Emotional moment the cream of showbiz give Parkinson’s-stricken Michael J. Fox, 62, a standing ovation as he takes to the stage in a wheelchair to present Best Film to Oppenheimer – one of SEVEN gongs for the biopic as it dominates the night

Michael J Fox received a standing ovation from Hollywood’s biggest stars at the 2024 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, as he took to the stage in a wheelchair to present Best Film to Oppenheimer.

The actor, 62, who has battled Parkinson’s since 1991, was helped to the podium to announce that Best Film had been awarded to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, one of seven gongs for the epic.

After entering the stage in a wheelchair, Michael earned a hugely warm reception from stars including Margot Robbie, Bradley Cooper and Barry Keoghan, who were in attendance at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

The legendary 80s film star was visibly touched by the reaction, as he supported himself on the podium to reveal the nominees and eventual winner. 

Oppenheimer proved to be the big winner on the night, earning seven gongs including Best Film, Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr and Director for Christopher Nolan. 

Michael J Fox received a standing ovation from the stars in attendance at the 2024 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, as he took to the stage in a wheelchair

The actor who has battled Parkinson's since 1991, was helped to the podium to announce that Best Film had been awarded to Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer

The actor who has battled Parkinson’s since 1991, was helped to the podium to announce that Best Film had been awarded to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer

It was a night of huge success for both Oppenheimer, with Cillian Murphy awarded the Leading Actor prize

Emma Stone won Leading Actress for Poor Things

It was a night of huge success for Oppenheimer, with Cillian Murphy (left) awarded the Leading Actor prize, while Emma Stone won Leading Actress for Poor Things (right)

Oppenheimer frontman Christopher Nolan was awarded the Director honour for his work on the acclaimed biopic

Oppenheimer frontman Christopher Nolan was awarded the Director honour for his work on the acclaimed biopic

The Back To The Future star previously walked the red carpet with his glamorous wife Tracy Pollan.

Presenting the prize, he said: ‘Five films were nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They are the best of what we do.

‘No matter who you are or where you’re from, these films can bring us together.

‘There’s a reason why they say movies are magic because movies can change your day. It can change your outlook. Sometimes it can change your life.’

Michael was  just 29 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, and went public with the information in 1998. 

In 2023, the star released an Apple TV+ documentary about his career and living with the devastating disease, which earned him a BAFTA nomination.

While Michael did present the final award of the night, he was also in attendance after his documentary Still: A Michael J Fox Story received a nod for Documentary. 

Speaking to BBC in light of the documentary’s nomination, Michael said: ‘I would say it’s a gift and people would look at me and I’d say it’s a gift that keeps on taking, but it’s a gift.’

After entering the stage in a wheelchair, Michael earned a hugely warm reception from stars including Margot Robbie , Bradley Cooper and Barry Keoghan, who were in attendance at London's Royal Festival Hall

After entering the stage in a wheelchair, Michael earned a hugely warm reception from stars including Margot Robbie , Bradley Cooper and Barry Keoghan, who were in attendance at London’s Royal Festival Hall 

Michael was helped up to the podium by a member of staff who wheeled him onto the stage

Michael was helped up to the podium by a member of staff who wheeled him onto the stage

THE BAFTA WINNERS AT A GLANCE

Best Film – Oppenheimer

 Best Director – Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

Supporting Actor – Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer

Leading Actor – Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer

Leading Actress – Emma Stone, Poor Things

Supporting Actress – Da’vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

 

After arriving on the stage in a wheelchair, Michael made his way to the podium to announce the winner of Best Film

After arriving on the stage in a wheelchair, Michael made his way to the podium to announce the winner of Best Film

He earned a hugely warm reception from the audience in London's Royal Festival Hall

He earned a hugely warm reception from the audience in London’s Royal Festival Hall

In 2023, the star released an Apple TV+ documentary about his life in film and his subsequent diagnosis, which earned him a BAFTA nomination (pictured)

In 2023, the star released an Apple TV+ documentary about his life in film and his subsequent diagnosis, which earned him a BAFTA nomination (pictured)

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.

Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.

Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration.

What are the early signs?

Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body.

In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk.

Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time.

What are the causes?

Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson’s disease.

It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.

However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes.

Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families.

Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says.

How is it diagnosed?

No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination.

A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition.

They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement.

How many people are affected?

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson’s UK.

What happens if someone is diagnosed?

According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment.

The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available.

People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise.

Can it be treated?

Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.

The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.

What medication is available and what are the side effects?

Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as shaking and movement problems.

There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways.

The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes.

What therapy is available?

There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson’s through the NHS.

Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching.

Does this change the way you live?

Most people’s life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health.

It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health.

Those with Parkinson’s are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms.

Ahead of presenting the coveted honour, Michael was seen chatting to David Beckham backstage

Ahead of presenting the coveted honour, Michael was seen chatting to David Beckham backstage

The pair were seen deep in conversation backstage during the ceremony, as Michael prepared to present the final award of the evening

The pair were seen deep in conversation backstage during the ceremony, as Michael prepared to present the final award of the evening

The Back To The Future star previously walked the red carpet with his glamorous wife Tracy Pollan

The Back To The Future star previously walked the red carpet with his glamorous wife Tracy Pollan 

Since being diagnosed, Michael has been praised for his tireless work fundraising in a bid to find a cure for Parkinson’s. He founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation to aid research efforts.

Michael said: ‘I realised I had to turn it around and turn it into something and make it some positive thing that affected other people in a positive way.

‘So I think that’s why I started the foundation, but it took me a long time to get there.’

Oppenheimer won Best Film as well as sweeping the board in major categories at this year’s BAFTAs.

The epic biographical thriller led the wins with seven gongs, including Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. and Best Director for Christopher Nolan. It had the most nominations with 13.

The biggest night in British film returned with actor David Tennant as host and an array of guest presenters on hand to deliver awards throughout the night. 

Prince William attended the ceremony in London solo as his wife Kate Middleton continues her recovery from last month’s abdominal surgery.

Oppenheimer swept up in the big name categories, but it was closely followed by the surreal black comedy Poor Things.

It marked five awards for the film, as Emma Stone collected the Best Actress gong for her turn as Bella Baxter.

In his documentary, which was released in May 2023, Michael looks back on his blockbuster career with director Davis Guggenheim and shares how he first noticed the signs of what would be diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease.

He said the documentary is about when ‘an incurable optimist meets an incurable disease’ as he spoke about his battle with the condition.

‘I have Parkinson’s, I struggle with it,’ he said. ‘It’s hard, it’s annoying, it’s a bit more than annoying but it can be devastating for some people.’

Michael displayed symptoms of early-onset Parkinson’s as early as 1991 while shooting the film Doc Hollywood, and was told by doctors that in a few years he would not be able to work.

After being diagnosed, Michael started drinking heavily and became depressed. But after seeking help, he found sobriety and publicly disclosed his condition in 1998.

On why he concealed his Parkinson’s for so many years, Michael said: ‘Yeah I didn’t know what it was going to do, how it was going to manifest itself.

‘I didn’t know what to expect and no one could really tell me what to expect.’

Michael received the Lifetime Achievement honour at the 2023 Spring Moving Image Awards for his impressive Hollywood career as well as his dedication to finding a cure for Parkinson’s.

In his documentary, Michael detailed the devastating moment in which he revealed the diagnosis to his wife of 35 years Tracy and how she vowed to support him all along the way.

Michael, who continued to act for years, recalled: ‘I told Tracy the news. ‘In sickness and in health,’ I remember her whispering.’

He added that ‘no one outside my family’ knew of his diagnosis and he took pills to ‘hide’ his symptoms.

The actor did not specify if it was were recreational or prescription drugs that he was self-medicating with.

In behind the scenes footage, he is pictured dodging explosions and gunfire and unmanned vehicles as he runs through the desert in a scene from Tim Burton’s black sci-fi comedy Mars Attacks, which was shot before he had announced his diagnosis.

In an interview on CBS Mornings in November, Michael says he’d have forgiven wife Tracy Pollan if she had decided to ‘step out’ during their 35-year marriage as he battles Parkinson’s disease.

‘At any time she would have been forgiven to say, ‘I’m just gonna step out,” the 62-year-old actor said of his spouse, 63. ‘But, she didn’t do that.’

‘I love Tracy obviously and she’s an amazing person and has gone through a lot,’ Fox said. ‘I realize she has a life separate from me having Parkinson’s, from me being Alex Keaton or Marty McFly, she’s a person. I think that’s why it’s gone okay.’

Fox said of their marriage, ‘She had indicated to me by saying, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. She was able to get me through it, and go through it with me. And she has for 35 years.’

Fox and Pollan are parents to son Sam Michael, 34, twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, 28, and daughter Esmé Annabelle, 21.

On the CBS broadcast, the Spin City star explained how Pollan has stayed by his side amid his health woes.

Oppenheimer was the big winner of the night as it scooped a total of seven gongs, including Leading Actor for Cillian Murphy, further boosting his odds of winning an Oscar next month

Oppenheimer was the big winner of the night as it scooped a total of seven gongs, including Leading Actor for Cillian Murphy, further boosting his odds of winning an Oscar next month

Poor Things wasn't far behind Oppenheimer, with a total of five wins, including Leading Actress for its star and producer Emma Stone

Poor Things wasn’t far behind Oppenheimer, with a total of five wins, including Leading Actress for its star and producer Emma Stone

Christopher Nolan won the Best Director BAFTA for Oppenheimer, his epic tale of how the nuclear bomb was created

Christopher Nolan won the Best Director BAFTA for Oppenheimer, his epic tale of how the nuclear bomb was created

Robert Downey Jr. made history as he was awarded Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer, 31 years since his last BAFTA win for Chaplin in 1993

Robert Downey Jr. made history as he was awarded Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer, 31 years since his last BAFTA win for Chaplin in 1993

Da'Vine Joy Randolph was crowned victorious in the Best Supporting Actress category for her part in The Holdovers

Da’Vine Joy Randolph was crowned victorious in the Best Supporting Actress category for her part in The Holdovers

Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven and Emma Thomas accepted the Best Film Award for Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven and Emma Thomas accepted the Best Film Award for Oppenheimer

Robert collected a BAFTA for his role as Lewis Strauss in Hollywood blockbuster Oppenheimer , which has swept the board during awards season

Robert collected a BAFTA for his role as Lewis Strauss in Hollywood blockbuster Oppenheimer , which has swept the board during awards season

Cillian hugged his co-star Emily Blunt after his name was announced

Cillian hugged his co-star Emily Blunt after his name was announced

It marked five awards for Poor Things, as Emma Stone collected the gong for her turn as Bella Baxter

Accepting her award, she said: 'Since we're in London, I want to start by thanking dialect coach. She praised him for not laughing at her when he taught her how to say 'water'

It marked five awards for Poor Things, as Emma Stone collected the gong for her turn as Bella Baxter

Ryan Gosling gave his La La Land co-star Emma a cheeky wink as she made her way on stage

Ryan Gosling gave his La La Land co-star Emma a cheeky wink as she made her way on stage

She said: 'I really wanted to thank my mum, because she's the best person I know. Without her none of this would exist, including my life, so thank you for that Mum'

She said: ‘I really wanted to thank my mum, because she’s the best person I know. Without her none of this would exist, including my life, so thank you for that Mum’

Randolph celebrated her win as she posed in the press room with her gong

Randolph celebrated her win as she posed in the press room with her gong

The actress proudly held up her accolade in the winners room

The actress proudly held up her accolade in the winners room

‘We knew the bus was coming and we knew it was going to hit, but we didn’t know how far away it was or how fast it was going,’ he said.

After Oppenheimer was awarded Best Film, director Christopher Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas, who also produced the blockbuster, took to the stage.

Emma described her husband, as ‘inspired and inspiring’ and ‘brilliant’, adding that he was ‘often infuriating and always right.’

‘I am incredibly grateful to him for letting me come along for this ride,’ she said.

Emma also paid tribute to their 16-year-old son Magnus, saying: ‘Your dad and I are the luckiest people in the world but our greatest fortune is being parents to you, Flora, Oliver and Rory.’

The biggest night in British film returned with actor David Tennant as host, with an array of guest presenters on hand to deliver awards throughout the night. 

Cillian, 47, – who plays the titular role in Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb saga – picked up the Leading Actor prize at the prestigious British awards ceremony.

He triumphed against Bradley Cooper for Maestro, Colman Domingo for Rustin, Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers, Barry Keoghan for Saltburn and Teo Yoo for Past Lives.

Accepting the trophy he said: ‘Oh boy, holy moly, thank you very, very much Bafta.’

He paid tribute to ‘the most dynamic, kindest producer-director partnership in Hollywood: Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, thank you for seeing something in me that I probably didn’t see in myself.’

The Irish actor said to Nolan: ‘Thank for always pushing me and demanding excellence because that is what you deliver time and time again.’

He also acknowledged his ‘fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies’, adding: ‘I know it’s a cliche to say, but I’m in awe of you.’

He said J Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, was a ‘colossally knotty character’, adding: ‘We have a space to debate and interrogate and investigate that complexity and it’s a privilege to be a part of this community with you all

Robert, 58, collected a BAFTA for his role as Lewis Strauss in Hollywood blockbuster Oppenheimer, which has swept the board during awards season.

Robert admitted he owes the award to the film’s director Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and leading man Cillian Murphy, as well as ‘British influence’.

Gesturing to Nolan, he said: ‘Recently that dude suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last ditch effort to resurrect my dwindling credibility.’

Robert’s win set a new record for the longest gap between wins by any performer.

His award, for the film Oppenheimer, comes 31 years after his previous BAFTA, for the 1993 film Chaplin.

The previous record was 27 years, set by Sir Anthony Hopkins in 2021 when he won the award for best actor for The Father, nearly three decades after his 1994 win for Shadowlands.

Nolan won the Best Director BAFTA for Oppenheimer, his epic tale of how the nuclear bomb was created.

Before accepting the award from actor Hugh Grant, Nolan hugged his Irish star Cillian Murphy who played physicist J Robert Oppenheimer.

Nolan joked that his brother ‘beat him up here’ by being in a chorus of a production 40 years ago.

Nolan has previously lost out despite numerous commercial successes such as Inception and The Dark Knight, the UK-born filmmaker won out against Jonathan Glazer [The Zone of Interest], Justine Triet [Anatomy of a Fall], Alexander Payne [The Holdovers], Bradley Cooper [Maestro] and Andrew Haigh [All of Us Strangers].

He paid tribute to Murphy and added to those who backed the film: ‘Thank you for taking on something dark’.

The director also acknowledged the efforts of nuclear disarmament organisations to bring peace.

Oppenheimer swept up in the big name categories, but it was closely followed by the surreal black comedy Poor Things.

It marked five awards for the film, as Emma Stone collected the gong for her turn as Bella Baxter.

Accepting her award, she said: ‘Since we’re in London, I want to start by thanking dialect coach. She praised him for not laughing at her when he taught her how to say ‘water’.

‘I really wanted to thank my mum, because she’s the best person I know. Without her none of this would exist, including my life, so thank you for that Mum.’

The American actress said she was ‘in awe’ of all of the team behind the film, where she plays the part of a woman who is reanimated and implanted with the brain of a baby.

She paid tribute to the writers for coming up with the line ‘I must go punch that baby’ in a memorable dinner scene, and also hailed director Yorgos Lanthimos for ‘our friendship and the gift of Bella’.

Also thanking her mother, Stone said: ‘She kind of made me believe this crazy idea that I can do something like this.’

Meanwhile, Da’Vine Joy Randolph crowned victorious in the Best Supporting Actress category for her part in The Holdovers as she continues her march to Oscars glory.

David Tennant hosted the awards bash and was at one point joined by a white fluffy dog

David Tennant hosted the awards bash and was at one point joined by a white fluffy dog

Nolan joked that his brother 'beat him up here' by being in a chorus of a production 40 years ago

Nolan joked that his brother ‘beat him up here’ by being in a chorus of a production 40 years ago

Before accepting the award from actor Hugh Grant, Nolan hugged his Irish star Murphy who played physicist J Robert Oppenheimer

Before accepting the award from actor Hugh Grant, Nolan hugged his Irish star Murphy who played physicist J Robert Oppenheimer

Dua Lipa presents the Outstanding British Film Award on stage

Dua Lipa presents the Outstanding British Film Award on stage

Mia McKenna-Bruce poses with the award for EE rising star award

Mia McKenna-Bruce poses with the award for EE rising star award

Mia was overcome with emotion as she accepted the award earlier in the evening

Mia was overcome with emotion as she accepted the award earlier in the evening

Mia raised the award in the air as she celebrated her win

The EE Rising Star winner dazzled in a glitzy gown

Mia raised the award in the air as she celebrated her win

Justine Triet and Arthur Harari accept the Original Screenplay Award for Anatomy of a Fall

Justine Triet and Arthur Harari accept the Original Screenplay Award for Anatomy of a Fall

Following this, drama film Earth Mama was honoured with the BAFTA outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer (pictured Savanah Leaf)

Following this, drama film Earth Mama was honoured with the BAFTA outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer (pictured Savanah Leaf)

Samantha Morton proudly showed off her gong in the press room after winning the coveted BAFTA Fellowship award

Samantha Morton proudly showed off her gong in the press room after winning the coveted BAFTA Fellowship award

The Zone Of Interest won the BAFTA for a film not in the English language (pictured Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn)

The Zone Of Interest won the BAFTA for a film not in the English language (pictured Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn)

Kingsley Ben-Adir, Cord Jefferson, winner of the adapted screenplay award for American Fiction, with Bryce Dallas Howard

Kingsley Ben-Adir, Cord Jefferson, winner of the adapted screenplay award for American Fiction, with Bryce Dallas Howard

Hoyte van Hoytema winner of Cinematography Award for Oppenheimer and Sheila Atim

Hoyte van Hoytema winner of Cinematography Award for Oppenheimer and Sheila Atim

Sayed Badreya, Yasmin Afifi, Elizabeth Rufai and guest, winners of the British Short Film Award for JellySfish

 Sayed Badreya, Yasmin Afifi, Elizabeth Rufai and guest, winners of the British Short Film Award for JellySfish

Simon Hughes, Tim Barter, Jane Paton and guests, winners of the Special Visual Effects Award for Poor Things

Simon Hughes, Tim Barter, Jane Paton and guests, winners of the Special Visual Effects Award for Poor Things

Ludwig Goransson, winner of the original score award for Oppenheimer

Ludwig Goransson, winner of the original score award for Oppenheimer

Randolph took to the stage and told Chiwetel Ejiofor, who was presenting the award, ‘you are so handsome’ – prompting laughter from the audience.

On a more serious note, she said: ‘Thank you for trusting me with this beautiful character.

Becoming emotional, she said being able to ‘wear this beautiful gown, standing on the stage in London, is not a responsibility I take lightly’.

Randolph plays school cook Mary in the film set at a boarding school in the early 1970s.

Next up, Director Jonathan Glazer and producer James Wilson’s The Zone Of Interest won the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film.

Wilson told the audience they were ‘stunned’ the film had won three awards during the ceremony, and while it was shot in Poland, the team who made it was assembled from the UK.

The night kicked off with French legal drama Anatomy Of A Fall winning the Original Screenplay award after premiering in Cannes back in May.

Collecting the award, co-writer and director Justine Triet, said: ‘The last time I I was in London, a woman said to me: ‘After I saw your movie I called my ex and told him to see it to understand why I dumped him.’

‘Someone else said ‘Did you put a mic in my kitchen?’

Gesturing to her co-writer and partner Arthur Harari, Triet said ‘I would like to make a statement tonight: it’s a fiction and we are reasonably fine.’

Harari referred to the plot of the courtroom drama when he joked that he had recently found himself near a window in an attic.

He added: ‘I want this room as my witness, if something happens to me, I loved insulating that attic and I’m quite happy tonight.’

Next up, Poor Things has won the BAFTA for special visual effects. 

VFX supervisor Simon Hughes said receiving the special visual effects BAFTA for the the film was a career highlight.

‘It’s the peak of my career, absolutely for me. And to have it happen on such a unique film like this is just a real eye-opener, it’s been such a surreal and such a rewarding experience.’

Following this, drama film Earth Mama was honoured with the BAFTA outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer, presented by David Beckham.

Director Savanah Leaf was sobbing as she took to the stage to be presented with the award for her tale of a pregnant single mother.

Leaf said ‘this is crazy’, adding: ‘Our lead had never acted before and she poured her heart into this and she was so fearless.’

The director was given the award alongside Irish producers Shirley O’Connor and Medb Riordan.

The Zone Of Interest won the BAFTA for a film not in the English language.

Director Jonathan Glazer said it was ‘an out of body experience’ to win the award as he paid tribute to his collaborators.

Producer James Wilson thanked Glazer for his ‘virtuosity and his friendship’.

He continued: ‘Walls aren’t new from before or since the Holocaust and it seems stark right now that we should care about innocent people being killed in Gaza or Yemen or Mariupol or Israel.’

He added: ‘Thank your for recognising a film that asks us to think in those spaces.’

The BAFTA for Casting was awarded to Susan Shopmaker for private school-set The Holdovers, while the editing award has gone to Jennifer Lame for Second World War biopic Oppenheimer.

Comedy drama American Fiction has won Best Adapted Screenplay.

American writer and former Gawker journalist Cord Jefferson said winning a BAFTA was ‘surreal’, and that he had his speech written for him because he did not think he would need it.

Jefferson said in a ‘risk-averse industry’, he is thankful for his film – about a novelist who spoofs the ‘black genre’ of books, which becomes a ruse he has to maintain – was made.

The Boy And The Heron won the Best Animated Film Bafta.

Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki was not at the ceremony so the award was collected by presenters Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott.

The Documentary BAFTA went to 20 Days In Mariupol, which highlights the work of Associated Press journalists in the besieged Ukrainian city during the Russian invasion.

Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov said: ‘This is not about us’, this is about the country invaded by Russia and the bombed city they filmed in was just ‘a symbol of everything that has happened’.

‘Thank you for empowering our voice, and let’s keep fighting,’ he added.

Composer Ludwig Goransson won the BAFTA for Original Score for Oppenheimer while Johnnie Burn and Tarn Willers scooped the honour for best sound for Holocaust film The Zone Of Interest.

The BAFTA for Production Design went to Shona Heath, James Price and Zsuzsa Mihalek for surreal comedy Poor Things, about a woman who is reanimated and begins a new life.

It was previously announced the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema would go to programmer and archivist June Givanni, founder of the Pan African Film Archive, who collected the prize during the ceremony from Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh.

Northern Ireland actor James Martin, from Oscar-winning film An Irish Goodbye, presented the British short film Bafta to Yasmin Afifi and Elizabeth Rufai for Jellyfish And Lobster, a tale about care home residents.

Accepting the prize, Afifi said the film was about elderly people who find the ‘magic in their final days’, before wiping tears away from her face.

Egyptian actor Sayed Badreya, who appears in the film, got down on his knees and prayed on stage.

The British Short Animation BAFTA was presented to Ross Stringer, Bartosz Stanislawek and Aleksandra Sykulak for Crab Day, about a father and son in a fishing community.

Stringer thanked his parents in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and said the film was about ‘standing up for yourself, no matter what the world thinks of you’.

Poor Things won two more BAFTAs for best costume design, and make-up and hair.

Samantha Morton collected the BAFTA Fellowship from producer David Heyman, who she worked with on Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.

There were tributes from her Minority Report co-star Tom Cruise, as well as collaborators Susan Lynch, Molly Windsor and Daniel Mays, while Heyman described her as a ‘rare breed and true artist’.

Morton was visibly emotional and overwhelmed as she said: ‘This is nothing short of a miracle. When I first saw Ken Loach’s Kes on a huge telly that was wheeled into my classroom I was forever changed.

‘Seeing poverty and people like me on the screen, I recognised myself – representation matters.’

She said she would tell her younger self: ‘You matter, don’t give up, the stories we tell, they have the power to change people’s lives.

‘Film changed my life, it transformed me and it led me here today.’

She added: ‘I dedicate this award to every child in care, or who has been in care and who didn’t survive.’

The BAFTA Rising Star award was won by Mia Mckenna-Bruce following a public vote.

The star of coming-of-age film How To Have Sex appeared emotional on stage as she thanked her family and her ‘beautiful baby boy’.

The 26-year-old joked that she hopes her little sisters, who do not think ‘I’m cool’, will change their mind after her win.

The actress, 33, posed for snaps alongside her husband Tom Ackerley, also, 33, who looked dapper in a black tuxedo

The actress, 33, posed for snaps alongside her husband Tom Ackerley, also, 33, who looked dapper in a black tuxedo

Despite the wet and miserable weather forecast, the sun was shining as the first stars arrived on the red carpet

Despite the wet and miserable weather forecast, the sun was shining as the first stars arrived on the red carpet

The actress, 33, posed for snaps alongside her husband Tom Ackerley, also, 33, who looked dapper in a black tuxedo

The actress, 33, posed for snaps alongside her husband Tom Ackerley, also, 33, who looked dapper in a black tuxedo

Her multi-textured dress boasted a satin panel down the front, with velvet on the sides and a sequinned bodice

Her multi-textured dress boasted a satin panel down the front, with velvet on the sides and a sequinned bodice

Her multi-textured dress boasted a satin panel down the front, with velvet on the sides and a sequinned bodice

Emily, 40, stole the show in a gold embellished cut-out gown with flared sleeves, a trail and matching ruby necklace

Emily, 40, stole the show in a gold embellished cut-out gown with flared sleeves, a trail and matching ruby necklace

Emily and her Oppenheimer co-star Cillian Murphy were in high spirits as they posed for snaps together

The pair posed for snaps together ahead of the ceremony, where they were both nominated for their roles in the Christopher Nolan epic

Emily and her Oppenheimer co-star Cillian Murphy were in high spirits as they posed for snaps together ahead of the ceremony, where they were both nominated for their roles in the Christopher Nolan epic

Poor Things star Emma, 35, opted for a quirky orange gown with one puff sleeve as she beamed alongside Yorgos Lanthimos

Poor Things star Emma, 35, opted for a quirky orange gown with one puff sleeve as she beamed alongside Yorgos Lanthimos

The Best Actress hopeful stunned in the eye-catching orange gown as she arrived for the star-studded film event

The Best Actress hopeful stunned in the eye-catching orange gown as she arrived for the star-studded film event

The Best Actress hopeful stunned in the eye-catching orange gown as she arrived for the star-studded film event

Florence teamed her glamorous ensemble with a dazzling silver necklace and an elegant black cape which wrapped around her arms

Florence teamed her glamorous ensemble with a dazzling silver necklace and an elegant black cape which wrapped around her arms

Dua Lipa oozed confidence as she posed in a semi-sheer eye-catching red gown with a cape detail

Dua Lipa oozed confidence as she posed in a semi-sheer eye-catching red gown with a cape detail

Dua Lipa oozed confidence as she posed in a semi-sheer eye-catching red gown with a cape detail

Margot Robbie, Emily Blunt, Emma Stone and Florence Pugh were among the star-studded arrivals on the red carpet earlier in the evening.

Barbie star Margot showed off her incredible figure in a pink and black strapless gown with matching gloves and heels, inspired by the iconic doll.

The actress posed for snaps alongside her husband Tom Ackerley, also, 33, who looked dapper in a black tuxedo. 

Emily – who was nominated for playing Kitty in Oppenheimer – was a vision of beauty as she stormed the red carpet in a glamorous beaded gown with cut outs along the waist that showed off her lithe figure.

The glamorous garment was adorned with gems and clung to her hourglass curvesm flaring out into a fishtail hem.

Blunt, 40, completed the look with a diamond and ruby necklace paired with matching earrings.

Elsewhere, Best Actress winner Stone opted for a quirky orange gown with one puff sleeve as she beamed alongside Yorgos Lanthimos.

Dune star Pugh, 28, nearly suffered a wardrobe malfunction in the plunging silver bustier as she headed into the ceremony.

She teamed her glamorous ensemble with a dazzling silver necklace and an elegant black cape which wrapped around her arms

Lipa oozed confidence as she posed in a semi-sheer eye-catching red gown with a cape detail.

Naomi Campbell looked like she should be gracing the halls of The Traitors castle in the Scottish Highlands as she attended the BAFTAs on Sunday night.

BAFTA 2024 WINNERS IN FULL

Best Film

Anatomy Of A Fall

The Holdovers

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer – WINNER

Poor Things

 

 Best Director

Oppenheimer's is set to sweep the board. One of its many nominations is Christopher Nolan as Best Director

Oppenheimer’s is set to sweep the board. One of its many nominations is Christopher Nolan as Best Director

Andrew Haigh, All of Us Stranger

Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall

Alexander Payne, The Holdovers

Bradley Cooper, Maestro

Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer – WINNER

Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest

 

Supporting Actor

Robert De Niro, Killers Of The Flower Moon

Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer – WINNER

Jacob Elordi, Saltburn

Ryan Gosling, Barbie

Paul Mescal, All Of Us Strangers

Dominic Sessa, The Holdovers

 

Supporting Actress

Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer

Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

Claire Foy, All Of Us Strangers

Sandra Hüller, The Zone Of Interest

Rosamund Pike, Saltburn

Da’vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers – WINNER

 

Original Screenplay

Anatomy Of A Fall has received plenty of nominations including for Original Screenplay

Anatomy Of A Fall has received plenty of nominations including for Original Screenplay

Anatomy of a Fall – WINNER

Barbie

The Holdovers

Maestro

Past Lives

 

Adapted Screenplay

All Of Us Strangers

American Fiction – WINNER

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

The Zone Of Interest

 

Animated Film

Chicken Run's sequel Dawn Of The Nugget is up for Animated Film

Chicken Run’s sequel Dawn Of The Nugget is up for Animated Film

The Boy And The Heron – WINNER

Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget

Elemental

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

 

British Short Film

Festival Of Slaps

Gorka

Jellyfish And Lobster – WINNER

Such A Lovely Day

Yellow 

 

Cinematography

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Maestro

Oppenheimer – WINNER

Poor Things

The Sone Of Interest 

 

Documentary

20 Days In Mariupol – WINNER

American Symphony

Beyond Utopia

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

Wham! 

 

Make Up & Hair

Killers Of The Flower Moon earned plenty of nominations. Pictured: Lily Gladstone and Leonardo di Caprio

Killers Of The Flower Moon earned plenty of nominations. Pictured: Lily Gladstone and Leonardo di Caprio

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Maestro

Napoleon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things – WINNER

 

Product Design

Barbie 

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things – WINNER

The Zone Of Interest 

 

Special Visual Effects

Poor Things, featuring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo (both pictured), is up for Special Visual Effects

Poor Things, featuring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo (both pictured), is up for Special Visual Effects

The Creator

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Napoleon

Poor Things – WINNER

Leading Actor

Barry Keoghan is up for Leading Actor for his performance in Saltburn

Barry Keoghan is up for Leading Actor for his performance in Saltburn

Bradley Cooper, Maestro

Colman Domingo, Rustin

Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers

Barry Keoghan, Saltburn

Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer – WINNER

Teo Yoo, Past Lives

 

Leading Actress

Margot Robbie got nominated for Leading Actress

Margot Robbie got nominated for Leading Actress

Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple

Sandra Hüller, Anatomy Of A Fall

Carey Mulligan, Maestro

Vivian Oparah, Rye Lane

Margot Robbie, Barbie

Emma Stone, Poor Things – WINNER

 

Outstanding British Film

All Of Us Strangers

How To Have Sex

Napoleon

The Old Oak

Poor Things

Rye Lane

Saltburn

Scrapper

Wonka

The Zone Of Interest – WINNER

 

Film Not in the English Language

20 Days In Mariupol

Anatomy of a Fall

Past Lives

Society of the Snow

The Zone of Interest – WINNER

 

Outstanding Debut

How To Have Sex got a nod for Outstanding Debut

How To Have Sex got a nod for Outstanding Debut

Blue Bag Life

Bobi Wine: The People’s President

Earth Mama – WINNER

How To Have Sex

Is There Anybody Out There?

 

Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer

Lisa Selby, Rebecca Lloyd-Evans, Alex Fry

Christopher Sharp

Savanah Leaf, Shirley O’connor, Medb Riordan – WINNER

Molly Manning Walker

Ella Glendining

 

British Short Animation

Crab Day – WINNER

Visible Mending

Wild Summon

 

Casting

The Holdovers had a good showing, including being up for Casting

The Holdovers had a good showing, including being up for Casting

All Of Us Strangers

Anatomy Of A Fall

The Holdovers – WINNER

How To Have Sex

Killers Of The Flower Moon 

 

Costume Design

Barbie

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Napoleon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things – WINNER

 

Editing

Anatomy Of A Fall

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer – WINNER

Poor Things

The Zone Of Interest 

 

Original Score

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer – WINNER

Poor Things

Saltburn

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse 

 

Sound

The Zone Of Interest is up for Sound alongside Oppenheimer, Maestro and others

The Zone Of Interest is up for Sound alongside Oppenheimer, Maestro and others

Ferrari

Maestro

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Oppenheimer

The Zone Of Interest – WINNER

 

EE Rising Star

Phoebe Dynevor

Ayo Edebiri

Jacob Elordi

Mia McKenna-Bruce – WINNER

Sophie Wilde 

 

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