Now the Baftas are finished; attention in the entertainment world turns to the next major event – the Oscars 2014. So who is tipped for success? Any surprises in the pipeline?
One of the major winners at the Baftas was Gravity, featuring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. The tense space thriller was the first 3D film to win a major category at the Baftas and is looking a strong candidate for Oscars success. It will face firm competition from Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave who saw a leading actor prize for its star Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as best film.
The best actress award went to Blue Jasmine star Cate Blanchett, and she is already a hot favourite for the same award at the Oscars. The only cloud on the horizon is the Woody Allen connection due to the recent controversy. An outsider is first-timer Amy Adams, for American Hustle, while Sandra Bullock should not be discounted.
In the best supporting actor category, there was Bafta success for Barkhad Abdi for his debut in Captain Phillips, ahead of favourite Michael Fassbender for 12 Years A Slave. The best supporting actress category also saw an upset with Jennifer Lawrence taking the award for American Hustle over anticipated winner Lupita Nyong’o, again for 12 Years a Slave.
Past trends
The last five years running the winner of the best film at the Baftas has gone on the net the same award at the Oscars, which means 12 Years a Slave is already a favourite. However, with the best actor the, Bafta winner will face some new competition in the form of Matthew McConaughey. McConaughey will stand for his role in Dallas Buyers Club and were not nominated for Bafta nominations but will be for Oscars.
Character
Other contenders for best actor, Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, both could potential loose out due to the nature of the characters they have played. Both had roles in the Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle which were cheaters and swindlers, not the type to endear themselves to people, no matter how high quality the performance. Therefore, most of the money is going on either McConaughey or Ejiofor.
Meanwhile on the supporting actress and actor categories, most sources are banking on a double for 12 Years a Slave with Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong’o predicted to overturn their Bafta losses. As well as their deserving the awards, it looks like the opposition for these awards is not as strong as in other categories.
