London: Dev Patel’s surprised reaction after he won the Bafta award in the best supporting actor category for Lion was one of the most adorable moments at the ceremony. Patel, 26, also earned a round of applause for warmly crediting his little co-star Sunny Pawar from India as he took the podium to accept the trophy for his performance of a man, Saroo Brierley, in search of his roots in the Garth Davis-directed movie.
“Wow! that just happened. It’s just so overwhelming,” Patel said after accepting the trophy from Felicity Jones. Patel thanked his parents and his team, saying, “This is a film about family about love that transcends borders, race, color and anything. You guys are my driving force.” I’d like to thank little Sunny Pawar, who did this film with such confidence. He truly is a star... and to my amazing team who had the insane task of trying to get this Indian dude with this noodle with wonky teeth and fluffy hair work in this really hard industry. To you guys, you are my heroes.”
Meanwhile, director Damien Chazelle’s musical La La Land continued its award dominance by taking five trophies, including the best film and best actress for Emma Stone, at the 70th British Academy Film Awards. La La Land, which also won Chazelle a best director Bafta, is expected to sustain its momentum at the Oscars on February 26 where it has scored a record 14 nominations.
Casey Affleck was named best actor for Manchester by the Sea while its director Kenneth. Viola Davis won the best supporting actress prize for Fences. Host Stephen Fry kicked the award show by taking aim at US president Donald Trump. As seems to be customary at big awards ceremonies these days, he opened this year’s ceremony by referencing Meryl Streep’s public spat with President Trump who had called the actor “overrated”. Fry said, “I look down on row after row of the most overrated people on the planet in their beautiful borrowed evening wear.”
