4 Exciting Things About the 2017 BAFTA Awards

February 9, 2017

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The start of each year is a thrilling time to be a fan of film. In January, we always kick off with the Golden Globe awards that honors the best films and American shows of the year prior. At the end of February we also see which movies and talented individuals get to take home their own shy Oscar that night.

Right in the middle of those two shows you have the biggest film awards show outside of the United States: the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. The following are only a few of the many reasons why we’re excited about the upcoming 70th BAFTA Awards.

Gosling finally makes it.

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Gosling is one of those Hollywood stars that needs no introduction today. But before becoming one of the biggest in the business, he got his start much like other notable celebrities: “The Mickey Mouse Club.” His success as a child actor landed him a leading role in “The Notebook,” which helped catapult his career into what it is today.

So far, the Canadian actor has been nominated by the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Academy Awards. But 2017 will mark the first time Gosling receives an invitation to the most recognized non-American film awards in the world. His part in “La La Land” will see him competing for the Best Actor BAFTA Award against Viggo Mortensen, Casey Affleck, Andrew Garfield, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

The rising stars.

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Much like any other film awards show, at the BAFTAs most of our attention will be on the big names in the business. We’ll have our fingers crossed as we find out if our favorite actors win the award/s they deserve. With so much talent in the run for each category, there’s no telling who will win or what surprises might be in store for us.

Of course, it’s also fantastic to see an award that puts the spotlight on the future. The Rising Star category is a chance for a number of fresh faces to gain the recognition that will make them the next big A-lister. This year there are several promising names in the running, including Laia Costa, Tom Holland, Lucas Hedges, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Ruth Negga.

A musical might be the big winner.

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As if making history by earning 14 nominations at the Academy Awards weren’t enough, “La La Land” can also leave the BAFTAs as the biggest winner this year. Damien Chazelle’s film starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling received the most nominations this year with 11. As the world’s only school offering musical theatre students the opportunity to perform in movie musicals, NYFA will be watching with high interest.

The only other films that came close to “La La Land” in terms of the amount of nominations were “Nocturnal Animals” and “Arrival,” which both received nine nominations. Categories for “La La Land” nominations include for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Film, and Best Director. Soon we’ll find out if the highly-acclaimed musical can pull off what it did at the 74th Golden Globe Awards — win every category for which it was nominated.

Mel Brooks receives the highest accolade.

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Each year, only one person receives arguably the most important prize given at the BAFTA awards. The BAFTA Fellowship is a lifetime achievement award commemorating individuals who have helped shape and transform the entertainment industry. Past recipients include filmmaking icons like Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin, acting legends like Elizabeth Taylor, and even famed game developers like Shigeru Miyamoto.

A 90-year-old Mel Brooks will receive this high honor this year, as he receives his own BAFTA Fellowship. As one of the most multi-talented people to ever grace the industry, with a career spanning decades of success, it’s easy to see why Brooks will be presented with the award. The legendary comedian is also one of few people to ever win a Tony, Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy.

Will you be watching the BAFTA Awards this year? Let us know in the comments below!