The BAFTAs are the British version of The Oscars. And while it may not be as well known in the states as The Globes, SAG and Critics Choice Awards, this is the final major all-encompassing show before The Academy Awards. Here are the big surprises from today’s nominations announcement:
– “Bridge of Spies” and “Carol” lead all nominations with nine
– Only three Animated Feature nominees and “Minions” is one of them (likely because much of the “Despicable Me” prequel took place in London), joining “Inside Out” and “Shaun the Sheep Movie” (from the UK’s Aardman Animation)
– Adam McKay is a Best Director nominee for “The Big Short”, which is also up for Film, Supporting Actor (Christian Bale) and Adapted Screenplay
– Maggie Smith is up for Lead Actress for her performance in “The Lady in the Van”; Jennifer Lawrence is NOT nominated for “Joy”
– Benicio del Toro is a nominee for Supporting Actor for the crime thriller “Sicario”; Sylvester Stallone (“Creed”) is NOT in the category
– Like the Globes, Alicia Vikander grabs double nominations for “The Danish Girl” (Lead Actress) and “Ex Machina” (Supporting Actress)
– England’s own “Julie Walters” is a Supporting Actress nominee for her feisty, funny role in “Brooklyn”
– “Amy” is not only up for Documentary, but Best British Film as well
– “Mad Max: Fury Road” has seven technical awards nominations, and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has four, but they couldn’t snag one of the five Best Film slots. They belong to “The Big Short”, “Bridge of Spies”, “Carol”, “The Revenant” and “Spotlight”
The BAFTAs air on Sunday, February 14th on BBC America.