Attending the Bafta dinner as a non-film journalist proved a liberating experience, but the star-studded event fell flat. The night began with an accidental red carpet crash when the reporter found themselves face-to-face with Timothée Chalamet, surrounded by screaming fans. Later, a picture of the actor on social media attracted a follower called Timothée Chalamet’s Hair.
The dinner had strict rules: no filming to protect broadcast rights, and winners were told not to mention the countdown clock to avoid long speeches. The reporter mostly napped through the ceremony but perked up when spotting Brian May. Seated next to the Daily Mail’s Baz Bamigboye, they were offered Fruit Pastilles for a sugar boost.
Joanna Lumley’s hosting was widely panned. Her jokes, including a weak gag about Claire Foy and a misfired line about her dress while wearing a suit, left the room cold. The reporter noted that the audience agreed the Oscars should be glad they have no host.
Highlights included wins for The Favourite and Roma, and Mahershala Ali’s best supporting actor award. Margot Robbie, the reporter’s self-described nemesis, presented an award but got lost on stage. Rachel Weisz, in a tulle gown, whispered to Spike Lee, dressed like a blueberry but pulling it off.
Rami Malek won for Bohemian Rhapsody, thanking Dexter Fletcher but not Bryan Singer. Deborah Davis of The Favourite gave a speech thanking for her first Bafta. Notably, no one mentioned Liam Neeson throughout the night.
