'12 Years a Slave,' 'Gravity' Win Big at the BAFTA Awards

By Night Editor  |  February 17, 2014 | 2:30am
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It was a big night for the filmmakers behind 12 Years a Slave and Gravity at the EE British Academy Film Awards help on Sunday at the Royal Opera House in London.

The Hollywood Reporter’s rundown of the night’s events includes highlights from 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen’s acceptance speech for the top film of the year:

When accepting the night’s top award, McQueen noted that there are
“21 million people in slavery now as we sit here. I just hope there will
not be another 120 years of ambivalence that allows another filmmaker
to make a film like this.”

Chiwetel Ejiofor won for Best Actor for his role in 12 Years a Slave:

Ejiofor hit the stage with the mantra “wow wow wow” to huge applause
and whistles from the audience including fellow nominee [Tom] Hanks.
“I want to start with Steve McQueen.” He thanked him for introducing
him to the character and making a work of “such value and worth to all
of us”.

“This is yours, I know it, you know, but I’m going to keep it, that’s the kind of guy I am,” said Ejiofor.

Alfonso Cuaron won for Best Director, thanking Sandra Bullock in his speech.

Cuaron said he is considered a part of the British film industry, despite “his accent.” The filmmaker, who lives in London, joked that he makes “a good case for curbing immigration”
He thanked Sandra Bullock, who “is gravity.”

“Without her it would have been nonsense,” Cuaron said. Gravity won six awards out of the 11 it was nominated for, winning for Cinematography and Outstanding British Film among others.

Cate Blanchett’s acceptance speech for her Best Actress referenced the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman:

The Australian actor dedicated her speech to Hoffman,
who died on 2 February, calling him a “monumental presence” and
celebrating “your monumental talent, your generosity and your
unflinching quest for truth not just in art but in life”.

Jennifer Lawrence and American Hustle had a pretty good night, too!

American Hustle, with director David O. Russell, cast members Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale among the attendees, won three BAFTA Awards including original screenplay for Eric Warren Singer and Russell, make up & hair, and supporting actress for Jennifer Lawrence.

Aside from all the awards, the evening gave us an opportunity to see this:

Oh, I know that feel, starstruck people in the crowd. (Or is this—”prince-struck?”)

And yes, don’t worry. I got your picture of Lupita Nyong’o from tonight. I wouldn’t let you down like that.

FLAWLESS. OBVIOUSLY.

There’s lots more on tonight’s winners here and here.

Check out footage from the red carpet, too:

Images via Getty Images.

 
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