BAFTAS 2022: host Rebel Wilson injects some risky humour

The BAFTAs were hosted by Australian comedian and film star, Rebel Wilson, who thankfully injected some risky humour into an otherwise dry awards ceremony

This Sunday, the Royal Albert Hall played host to the 2022 BAFTAs: an annual awards show honouring the best of British and International contributions to film. Hosted by Rebel Wilson, it was the Australian comedian and film star’s risky humour that stole the show.

People Magazine

“I might look a little different from the last time you guys saw me here,” said Rebel, showcasing her incredible weight loss. “That was two years ago and since then I have done quite a transformation. I hope JK Rowling still approves,” she continued, to a stunned audience. In recent years, JK Rowling has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The acclaimed author frequently shares discriminatory comments towards the Transgender community, Transgender women, in particular. A recent tweet on Twitter read: “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. The penised individual who raped you is a woman.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NwqDtFmG5I

But this wasn’t the only gag at JK Rowlings expense that night. Emma Watson, who played Hermonie in Rowling’s Harry Potter series delivered a personal blow: “I’m here for all the witches,” she said.

The BAFTA’s have been highly criticised this year for their “woke” humour and satire. There has been a huge backlash on Twitter, as viewers are tired of celebrities “abusing” their platform, by preaching certain political beliefs. Others are appreciative that minority communities are given representation and visibility.

Despite the backlash, the BAFTA’s still attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Best actress nominee, Lady Gaga attended, thanks to her dramatic portrayal of Patricia Gucci, in Ridley Scott’s, House of Gucci.

People Magazine

House of Gucci is considered the most debated movie of the last 12 months. Since its release in November of last year, the film has been slated by critics, labelling the movie as “cringe,” “too long” and “ridiculous.” But most reviews have a favourable view of Gaga’s performance. However, this did not escape Rebel Wilson’s sharp tongue, “Lady Gaga is nominated for House of Gucci. Apparently, they all had Italian accents in that film, I didn’t notice.”

The evening’s big wins came from Dune. Dune took home 5 BAFTAs, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. The movie, directed by Denis Villeneuve and fronted by man of the moment, Timothee Chalamet, now looks set to sweep the awards at the Oscars, which takes place on the 28^th March.

However, the top award of the night goes to ‘The Power of the Dog’ – an instant Western classic, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, who just lost out on Leading Actor to Will Smith. Director, Jane Campion won Best Director.

Over the past couple of years, the Film industry has been stifled by COVID-19. 2022’s award ceremonies need to demonstrate an industry bouncing back, packed with film stars, meme-able moments and controversy. BAFTA filled the brief.

Check out the full list of BAFTAS winners below:

Best Film

• The Power of the Dog

Outstanding British Film

• Belfast

Leading Actress

• Joanna Scanlan, After Love

Leading Actor

• Will Smith, King Richard

Supporting Actress

• Ariana DeBose, West Side Story

Supporting Actor

• Troy Kotsur, CODA

Director

• Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog

Costume Design

• Cruella

Make-Up & Hair

• The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Original Score

• Dune

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer

• The Harder They Fall

Animated Film

• Encanto

Adapted Screenplay

• CODA

Original Screenplay

• Licorice Pizza

Cinematography

• Dune

Documentary

• Summer of Soul (Or, When The Revolution Could Not be Televised)

Film Not in the English Language

• Drive My Car

Editing

•  No Time to Die

Production Design

• Cyrano

Sound

• Dune

Special Visual Effects

• Dune

British Short Animation

• Do Not Feed the Pigeons

British Short Film

• The Black Cop

Casting

• West Side Story

EE Rising Star Award

• Lashana Lynch