At the Bafta ceremony, Ariana DeBose performed a musical medley that included a rap segment name-checking many of the female nominees. The performance, which has become a talking point, combined a rendition of "Sisters are Doin' It For Themselves" with a bespoke rap and a snippet of "We Are Family".
DeBose, who won an Academy Award for her role in West Side Story, delivered the rap with high-energy dancing while appearing to become increasingly out of breath. The segment, informally dubbed "Angela Bassett Did the Thing", included salutes to Charlotte Wells, director of "Aftersun", who reacted with a look of "placid befuddlement".
The rap also referenced Georgia Oakley and Hélène Sifre for "Blue Jean", which DeBose described as "the one". Maia Kenworthy and Elena Sánchez Bellot, directors of the climate change documentary "Rebellion", were also mentioned; Kenworthy appeared to stifle laughter, while Sánchez Bellot responded with disbelieving giggles.
DeBose went on to mention costume designer Sandy Powell, with a line about her fellowship, costume and wig, though one word was indecipherable due to DeBose's breathlessness and a "spectacularly witless British accent". She also praised "Electric Malady", a documentary, with the phrase "what a slay", before concluding with a verse about "other ladies in the room, supporting or leading".
Throughout the performance, cameras cut to the women being named, many of whom appeared surprised or puzzled. Actor Katy Brand was observed as "appalled, but fascinated". The performance is likely to be one of the most discussed moments of the ceremony.
