On Sunday, February 10, the post World War drama was hailed as the bset film of 2007 at the 61st BAFTA, but the spotlight on the night went to the French's biopic which brought home 4 kudos.
- Feb 11, 2008
AceShowbiz - The film adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling novel, "Atonement", has finally nailed the top honor at the 2008 Orange British Academy Awards as on Sunday, February 10 at London's Royal Albert Hall. The Joe Wright directed-film was announced to be the receiver of the Best Film prize. Leading the nominations with 14 nods, the film starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy has to be satisfied bringing home two kudos only.
On the losing the 12 other categories, the film's co-producer Eric Fellner commented, "When you are nominated 14 times and see 12 losses it's a great relief. Being nominated is an extraordinary thing. I'm incredibly happy to have 14 nominations and two wins." Apart from winning the Best Film, it also garnered recognition for Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer in the category of production design.
One of the movies which managed to stole the night away from "Atonement" was the biopic drama chronicling the life of French's star Edith Piaf "La Vie En Rose". The movie directed by Olivier Dahan brought home four awards, including Best Music for Christopher Gunning, Best Costume Design for Marit Allen and Best Make-Up and Hair for Jan Archibald and Didier Lavergne.
The best award the movie got was from its leading actress, Marion Cotillard who won leading actress prize for her portrayal of Piaf. On her speech, overwhelmed Cotillard said, "Wow, wow, wow! It has been the most incredible adventure. I loved every single second of the shooting." She later added, "I'm absolutely shocked, totally shocked. I'm so happy ... I don't know what Edith Piaf would think about this. I hope she would be happy."
Another movie gathering multiple kudos was acclaimed crime drama "No Country for Old Men" which got three prizes. The Miramax Films' movie claimed Best Director for the American helmers brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen as well as Best Cinematography for Roger Deakins. Its Spanish actor who depicted a remorseless killer, Javier Bardem, scored Best Supporting Actor at the ceremony. Receiving his kudo, Bardem said, "To be recognized in a country where there is this huge tradition is an honor in itself."
Apart from the films that scored big on Sunday night, the many movie performers also made the event memorable. The favorite to win best actor at the Academy Awards, Daniel Day-Lewis, was named Best Actor on the occasion for his intense portrayal of the greedy American oil tycoon in "There Will Be Blood". Further, Tilda Swinton took home Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the corporate thriller "Michael Clayton". Additionally, the "Transformers" star, Shia LaBeouf, won public votes for the Orange Rising Star Award besting over Sienna Miller, Ellen Page, Sam Riley and Tang Wei.
The partial winner list of the 61st Annual Orange British Academy Film Awards can be read below, while the full list can be seen at Bafta.org:
- Best Film: "Atonement", Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster
- Best British Film: "This is England", Mark Herbert and Shane Meadows
- The Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer in their First Feature Film: Matt Greenhalgh (Writer), "Control"
- Director: "No Country for Old Men", Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
- Original Screenplay: "Juno", Diablo Cody
- Adapted Screenplay: "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly", Ronald Harwood
- Film not in the English Language: "The Lives of Others", Quirin Berg, Max Wiedemann and Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
- Animated Film: "Ratatouille", Brad Bird
- Leading Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
- Leading Actress: Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"
- Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
- Supporing Actress: Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton"
- The Orange Rising Star Award: Shia LaBeouf
