Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone graced the stage as one of the esteemed presenters at the latest edition of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony. The prestigious event unfolded amidst the grandeur of London’s Royal Festival Hall, where Padukone, known for her exceptional talent and captivating presence, added a touch of glamour and international flair to the evening's proceedings.
She walked the red carpet in a glittering white saree with a matching backless blouse created by Sabyasachi, her go-to person for a great saree look. The ‘Fighter’ actor posted a series of her look on Instagram. Her stylist, Shaleena Nathani also posted a back view of the actress' look. “Tonight at the BAFTAs," she wrote.
Deepika presented an award in the Film Not In the English Language Category, which was won by Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The Zone of Interest.’ The historical drama is loosely based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis. It follows German Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss, who strives to build a dream life with his wife, Hedwig, in a new house which is right next to the German Auschwitz concentration camp. She joined a line-up of presenters, including Hugh Grant, Dua Lipa, Idris Elba and Andrew Scott.
Oppenheimer dominates BAFTA’s with seven trophies
Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, and director Christopher Nolan were honored at the BAFTA Awards for their work on "Oppenheimer," which dominated the ceremony. Murphy won Best Actor for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, while Downey Jr took home Best Supporting Actor. The film secured seven BAFTAs, including Best Film. "Poor Things" received five awards, with Emma Stone winning Best Actress. Da'Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress for "The Holdovers. Oppenheimer and the acting winners could well repeat their successes at the Oscars in three weeks - although Oscar and Bafta voters rarely totally agree.
Meanwhile, The Boy and the Heron, made by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, became the first Japanese production to win best animated film. The two awards for best screenplay went to suspenseful French courtroom drama Anatomy of a Fall and American Fiction, a satire about a US novelist who is dismayed when his spoof of the "black genre" of books becomes a runaway hit.
Best documentary went to "20 Days in Mariupol", journalist Mstyslav Chernov's personal account of the siege of the Ukrainian city in 2022.
Prince William attends BAFTA Awards 2024
Prince William attended the 2024 BAFTAs alone as Princess Kate recuperated from surgery. The Duke of Cambridge was spotted chatting with David Beckham and sitting next to Cate Blanchett during the event at London's Royal Festival Hall.
As president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Prince William returned to the BAFTAs after missing the 2021 event due to his grandfather's passing, Prince Phillip. Previously, he highlighted diversity in nominees. His attendance came after news of his father, King Charles III's, cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, Princess Kate had returned home in January after her surgery and was reported to be progressing well in her recovery, according to Kensington Palace. The palace also indicated that Princess Kate would likely resume public duties after Easter, as per medical advice.