The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BAFTA

  • Nigeria’s Yinka Edward wins BAFTA

    Nigeria’s Yinka Edward wins BAFTA

    Nigerian filmmaker Yinka Edward on Sunday emerged winner of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) for ‘Best British Short Animation.’

    He won the award based on his nomination as a co-director of photography of ‘A Love Story’, an animated movie which was a graduating project from the National Film and Television School (NFTS) where he bagged a Master degree in Film and Television, focusing on cinematography.

    The movie which was directed by Anushka Kishanii Naanayaklara was nominated alongside two films – The Alan Dimension and Tough.

    Already, congratulation messages have been flowing for the director who was recently on location in Ikeja, Lagos, as DOP of Kunle Afolayan’s new project, Roti.

    Kemi Lala-Akindoju and Gideon Okeke were among the Nollywood actors that congratulated Edward, posting his picture with other BAFTA winners on Instagram.

    ‘Seeing Yinka Edward here made me smile this morning,’ wrote Akindoju on her Instagram page. ‘Congrats dear Yinka, we are proud of you and Nollywood celebrates you. Honoured to have been shot by you. The lesson here is to be consistent, to trust your journey and to stay on your lane.’

    Also congratulating Edward was Okeke who also acknowledged the cinematographer’s role in his part in 93 Days, the movie of how Nigeria combated the dreaded Ebola virus.

    ‘Besides my 18 minute effort in #93Days, his work in the film got me a nomination,’ wrote Okeke on his Instagram page.

    ‘He made me look Good. Congrats on your BAFTA Bro. Another Nigerian flag on the moon.’

    Edward, whose career has spanned over a decade, has to his credit successful movies such as Okafor’s Law , Figurine, October 1,  Shuga, Phone Swap and others.

    Edwards has also been nominated for the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) in the Best Cinematographer category.

    Responding to the overwhelming congratulatory messages, he wrote of the social media on Tuesday:

    “It’s a great pleasure winning the BAFTA with the team. It’s been an incredible journey and a great delight working with the entire team especially Nush the director.

    “A big thank you to all the staff and fellow cinematographers who made the shooting fun and possible: to the NFTS for their support during the process, to Brian Tufano, Stuart Harris, Leigh Alner, Ben Heckings, Luciana Riso and to Alvilde.

    “Also a big thank you to John Coppen and David Morphy of Cirro lite. They gave us some of the lights for the multiplane for about 10 months. Thank you.

    “A big respect to all the other filmmakers whose films were in the same category, especially to Alan Dimensions, our fellow classmates at the NFTS.

    “And thanks to all my friends, family and well-wishers and those of you who have been praying for me and with me, all through my journey through school. And most especially, I am grateful to God for this awesome blessing. It just clearly shows me that God is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever ask, think or imagine. Without Him I can do nothing.”

  • Nigeria’s Yinka Edward wins BAFTA

    Nigeria’s Yinka Edward wins BAFTA

    Nigerian filmmaker Yinka Edward on Sunday emerged winner of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) for ‘Best British Short Animation.’

    He won the award based on his nomination as a co-director of photography of ‘A Love Story’, an animated movie which was a graduating project from the National Film and Television School (NFTS) where he bagged a Masters degree in Film and Television, focusing on cinematography.

    The movie which was directed by Anushka Kishanii Naanayaklara was nominated alongside two films – The Alan Dimension and Tough.

    Already, congratulation messages have been flowing for the director who was recently on location in Ikeja, Lagos, as DOP of Kunle Afolayan’s new project, Roti.

    Kemi Lala-Akindoju and Gideon Okeke were among the Nollywood actors that congratulated Edward, posting his picture with other BAFTA winners on Instagram.

    ‘Seeing Yinka Edward here made me smile this morning,’ wrote Akindoju on her Instagram page. ‘Congrats dear Yinka, we are proud of you and Nollywood celebrates you. Honoured to have been shot by you. The lesson here is to be consistent, to trust your journey and to stay on your lane.’

    Also congratulating Edward was Okeke who also acknowledged the cinematographer’s role in his part in 93 Days, the movie of how Nigeria combated the dreaded Ebola virus.

    ‘Besides my 18 minute effort in #93Days, his work in the film got me a nomination,’ wrote Okeke on his Instagram page.

    ‘He made me look Good. Congrats on your BAFTA Bro. Another Nigerian flag on the moon.’

    Edward, whose career has spanned over a decade, has to his credit successful movies such as Okafor’s Law , Figurine, October 1,  Shuga, Phone Swap and others.

    Edwards has also been nominated for the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) in the Best Cinematographer category.

  • Wolf Hall wins big as BAFTA holds sway

    Wolf Hall wins big as BAFTA holds sway

    As the London’s Royal Festival Hall played host to the best of British television at the popular Bafta Television Awards Sunday night, speech makers used the opportunity of the event to defend the independence of the BBC.

    Mark Rylance who received the leading actor award for his role as Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall, the BBC Two historical drama, said: “Woe to any government and any corporation who tries to get between the British people and their love of a good joke, a true story, a good song, a fact, a fiction, good sports commentating, newscasters who can hold themselves together as they tell stories about tragedies in Paris, people who can bake cakes.

    Hosted by Graham Norton, the ceremony took place days before the government prepares to publish a white paper that sets out the BBC’s future role, function and structure

    C4’s This is England ‘90 and Peter Kay’s Car Share also won two prizes. The leading actress prize went to Suranne Jones for her role in the BBC One marital drama, Doctor Foster.

    When Wolf Hall won its first award of the night, its director, Peter Kosminsky, used his acceptance speech to defend the independence of the BBC, saying it was “under threat”.

    Talking about the notion that government appointees might sit on the editorial board he said: “This is scary stuff folks… it’s not their BBC – it’s your BBC.”

    Sir Lenny Henry, picking up a special award for his outstanding contribution to TV, used his speech to renew his call for the BBC to include diversity as part of its charter.

    He hoped that “all those 14-year-olds out there super-glued to their phones who hope to work in TV irrespective of their race, gender sexuality, class, disability, can realise that ambition as I was able to realise mine – if we do this we will make this fantastic industry even greater”.

    Best entertainment performance went to Leigh Francis for Celebrity Juice on ITV2, beating host Graham Norton while the supporting actor prize went to Sir Tom Courtenay for his role in ITV’s crime drama Unforgotten.

  • British-Nigerian actor John Boyega shines at BAFTA

    British-Nigerian actor John Boyega shines at BAFTA

    •As Leonardo DiCaprio claims top spot

    British-nigerian actor, John Boyega, has won the EE Rising Star award at this year’s British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) which took place last Sunday.

    Boyega who played Ugwu, the houseboy in Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s novel, got his first endorsement as a promising actor at the glamorous event which held at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom.

    The actor defeated co-nominees, Taron Egerton, Bel Powley, Brie Larson and Dakota Johnson to cling the EE Rising Star laurel, a category voted for by the public.

    Boyega, 23, got his award from his leading role in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, beating more established actors, especially 50 Shades of Grey’s Dakota Johnson and Brie Larson, who was named Best Actress for her turn in Room.

    “First and foremost I want to thank God for this moment,” Boyega said, as he received his plaque on stage. “Guys, I haven’t been doing this for a long time, it’s a fluke! I’m gonna share this award with all the young dreamers who are determined, who are hard working, who are quite frankly amazing. This is also for you. Blessings for your path and God bless.”

    Wilderness drama, The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, however dominated this year’s BAFTAs.

    It was named best film while DiCaprio won best actor and Alejandro G Inarritu best director.

    The Mexican director described the win as “overwhelming”. He said DiCaprio’s “talent and commitment” to the “risky project” had “kept the film breathing”.

    DiCaprio, who plays fur-trapper Hugh Glass, said he was “humbled and honoured” and praised the influence of British actors on his acting career. He also used his win to wish his mother a happy birthday.

    Apocalyptic action movie Mad Max: Fury Road took four awards: for make-up and hair, editing, costumes and production design.

    Brie Larson won the best leading actress award for her role as a kidnapped mother in Room.

    Director Lenny Abrahamson, who picked up the award on her behalf, called her “one of the best actors of her generation.”

    Both supporting acting prizes went to British winners.

    Steve Jobs star Kate Winslet was named best supporting actress, beating double nominee Alicia Vikander, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rooney Mara and fellow Brit Julie Walters.

    Picking up her statuette, Winslet praised her fellow nominees saying it had been “an extraordinary year for women”.

    She also gave thanks to the real Joanna Hoffman, Jobs’ loyal assistant, who she said was “so wonderful telling her stories to me”.

    Mark Rylance won best supporting actor for his role as British-born Soviet agent in Bridge of Spies.

     

  • Nigerian-born actor nominated for BAFTA

    Nigerian-born actor nominated for BAFTA

    Nigerian actor, John Boyega, has been in the EE Rising Star category at the 69th edition of the British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

    Boyega plays Finn in the Stars Wars The Force Awakens and he will be competing for the winning spot with other actors – Bel Powley, Brie Larson, Dakota Johnson and Taron Egerton – in a voting category.

    The ceremony will hold on February 14, 2016 at the Royal Opera House, London and will be hosted by Stephen Fry.

    Boyega had starred as Ugwu, Odenigbo’s (Chiwetel Ejiofor) houseboy in ‘Half of a Yellow Sun,’ the film adaptation of the novel with the same title, written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The movie was directed by Biyi Bandele.

    During a ‘Talks at Google’ session on December 3,2015, Boyega recalled how four years ago, JJ Abrams, in the company of Tom Cruise, walked up to him and said he loved Boyega’s first film role in ‘Attack the block’

    According to Boyega, Abrams said, “I loved you in the movie. One day, I’ll get you in something. We’ll just have to think of what is right.”

    That opportunity came four years after the discussion.

    On his impression on working on the geeky Stars Wars set, Boyega revealed it was enjoyable.

    “I have no shame on the Stars Wars set,” the 23-year old said.

    “I still have no shame. This is the only time I’m going to experience Star Wars like this for the first time. And so, for me, I just geeked out as much as I could. I brought merchandise to set for various cast members to sign. I took selfies. And it was nice just having that experience.”

    Boyega also talked about some of the impressive sets for Star Wars.

    “The first time I went on set was in Abu Dhabi,” he said.

    “And Jakku was real. JJ was so dope. He had the droids moving in between takes. That makes it feel like Disneyland, like they’re actually there, like they exist. I felt like a kid. Like the creatures wold move. And you know, I’m just there like, we’re on a planet… This is the closest we’re ever going to get to ET. And so, it was amazing to see the practical effects, puppetry, animatronics, all played a vital part. And the CG is just an enhancement of what’s already there.”

    Stars Wars – The Force Awakens, continues to shatter records becoming the fastest selling film in China, making $31.8m on Saturday. The movie has grossed over 1.5 billion dollars since release three weeks ago.

     

  • Something to cheer

    Something to cheer

    • As Nigerian-British Ejiofor wins prestigious film award

    In February 16, Nigeria co-shared with Britain a starring role in global limelight as a Nigerian-British son, Chiwetel Ejiofor, was pronounced the best actor for 2013 in Britain. It was at the British Academy Film and Television Award, (BAFTA) held at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. Ejiofor’s starring role in the riveting drama, 12 Years a slave, earned him the prestigious BAFTA prize over such world renowned and talented actors as Leonardo Dicaprio and Matthew McConaughey.

    It is indeed something to cheer for a country like Nigeria which the world has come to associate with odious headlines about scams and down-the-ladder positions in global human development indices. But the BAFTA comes particularly now, as a significant testimony to what might have been had the country been able to harness her potentials.

    Ejiofor was born in 1977 in Forest Gate, London, England, to Nigerian parents. He attended Dulwich College in South East London and later the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. By age 13, his talent as a thespian was already noticeable as he was appearing in numerous school and national youth theatre productions. What may be his big break came in 1997 when ace producer, Steven Spielberg, cast him in Amistad alongside great actors like Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins.

    Though BAFTA is his biggest haul so far, he is noted and highly regarded for his versatility in film, theatre and television productions and he has won numerous awards in the three genres in over 15 years of practice, with more than three dozen works. Some of his notable stage productions include title roles in Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night, or What You will. In 2008 he got five Golden Globe Award nominations and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for Othello. Same year, he was presented with an Order of the British Empire (OBE), by Queen Elizabeth 11 for services to the arts.

    Focused and hard-working, Ejiofor has just played a lead role in Half of a Yellow Moon, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s Nigeria civil war novel and he currently works on Z for Zachariah, a post-apocalyptic drama. Receiving his biggest award, Ejiofor enthused about his producer Steve McQueen: “I am so deeply honoured and privileged. Thank you for your work, your artistry and your passion in this project … to make it of such value and worth. This is yours by the way – I’m going to keep it… but it is yours.”

    This Nigerian honour, though a bit far removed, and Ejiofor’s evocation about artistry, worth, value and passion in a project are ingredients we want to commend to the Nigerian movie and entertainment industry. His story is a proof that even talent is brewed in the cauldron of proper education, patience, tenacity of purpose, focus and hard work. Ejiofor’s Nigerian counterpart in Nollywood must learn that their one-act wonder and flesh-bearing celebrity syndrome are ephemeral and of no lasting value. This explains why 20 years after, Nollywood is still in the woods, inundated with slap-dash productions. Nigerian practitioners of the make-believe must imbibe the culture of quality technical productions, artistic scripting, well-researched and deep thematic narratives.

    Chiwetel Ejiofor’s moment in the sun is as well Nigeria’s moment. It is our little victory, our reminder that even in our current political and socio-economic morass, there is a torch somewhere we can hold to the world. We salute Ejiofor and his clan for helping us to hold up that light in spite of ourselves.

     

  • BAFTA 2014 style report

    BAFTA 2014 style report

    WHO were your best dressed and worst dressed celebrities on the red carpet at the Bafta Awards 2014, from Angelina Jolie to Lupita Nyongo?

    The red carpet arrivals at the BAFTA Awards 2014 in London had some truly incredible looks from the Hollywood celebrities who wowed the audience with their dressing sense. From Lupita Nyong’o to Amy Adams, the BAFTA’s saw some truly mesmerising gowns and even suits! It’s difficult to say who the best dressed celebrity at the BAFTA’s was, as everyone dressed to kill.

    And who was the worst dressed? Well there was hardly anyone who didn’t put her best feet forward.

    The surprise of the evening was Angelina Jolie who bid goodbye to her famous leg (at last year’s Golden Globes) and came out dressed in a matching black tuxedo with fiancé Brad Pitt. Angie looked smashing with an open-bow tie look that attracted all the cameras to her. “12 Years a Slave” actress, Lupita Nyong’o, was dressed to kill at the BAFTA ceremony. The actress looked flawless in her emerald green off shoulder silk gown from Christian Dior. The sexy actress completed her look with gold wrist cuffs and a matching gold belt. Check out the red carpet below for those who put their best foot forward.

  • Chime hails Chiwetel Ejiofor’s BAFTA Best Actor award

    Chime hails Chiwetel Ejiofor’s BAFTA Best Actor award

    Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime has congratulated Nigerian-born British Actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, who won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) 2014 Best Actor Award last Sunday. He said the feat was a victory for Nigeria and Enugu State in particular.

    Chime, described Ejiofor, who hails from Oyofo- Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, and the son of renowned musician Sylvester Arinze Ejiofor as well as nephew of the traditional Ruler of the town, Igwe Christopher Ejiofor, as an icon whose historic exploits, have not only brought glory to Nigeria but will inspire other young Nigerians to strive for excellence and recognition in their respective legitimate endeavours.

    The Governor who stated this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Chukwudi Achife, observed that Ejiofor had before the current award, worked his way to other laurels including five Golden Globe nominations and the honour of Order of the British Empire (OBE) conferred on him by Queen Elizabeth 11 of England.

    He said: “Chiwetel Ejiofor has by this feat, brought great honour and glory to Nigeria and Enugu State in particular. The fact that he beat some of the best Actors in the world to win the BATFA Best Actor Award is something that calls for great celebration. It proves once again, that Nigerians can hold their won in every field of endeavour if they really put their minds and hands to it”.

    Chime, therefore, urged youths to emulate the good example set by the actor by engaging themselves in ventures that would uplift the image of the country and also inspire future generations.

    Ejiofor won the BAFTA Best Actor Award for his role in the slavery Drama, “12 years a slave” defeating acting legends like Leonardo Dicaprio and Bruce Dem to the honour.

  • BAFTA: Chiwetel Ejiofor wins Best Actor

    BAFTA: Chiwetel Ejiofor wins Best Actor

    Nigerian-British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor on Sunday beat Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Dern and others to win this year’s Best Actor award at the British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.

    Ejiofor, who earned several nominations for his role in Steve McQueen’s drama, 12 Years a Slave, came tops in what many described as “home advantage.”

    The actor, who had been pitched with other talented thespians in various box office movies in 2013, was earlier beaten by Leonardo DiCaprio, who won the Best Actor in a Comedy at the Golden Globes for The Wolf of Wall Street. Ejiofor also lost out to Matthew McConaughey in the Best Actor category of the Critics’ Choice Awards last month.

    His day of glory came at Sunday’s ceremony, where he drew huge cheers as he mounted the podium to receive his award.

    With a heart of gratitude to Steve McQueen, he said: “I’m so deeply honoured and privileged. Thank you for your work, your artistry and your passion in this project … to make it of such value and worth. This is yours by the way – I’m going to keep it. That’s the kind of guy I am, but it is yours.” Although Ejiofor’s win was considered a ‘home advantage’, there were a few surprises that tend to discredit this assumption.

    American Hustle’s Jennifer Lawrence beat this season’s favourite and12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong’o for the Best Supporting Actress award, while the Best Movie award was also won by 12 Years a Slave and not Gravity,Wolf of Wall Street or American Hustle, as earlier predicted by critics.

    Barkhad Abdi from Captain Phillips also beat Bradley Cooper, Michael Fassbender, Matt Damon and Daniel Brühs to take home the Best Supporting Actor award.

    Gravity ended up the biggest winner at the BAFTA ceremony, taking home six prestigious laurels, including outstanding British film, original music, cinematography, sound and special visual effects awards.

    Close to this was American Hustle, with three BAFTA awards, including original screenplay for Eric Warren Singer and O. Russell (makeup and hair) and Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Lawrence.

    Cate Blanchett complemented Ejiofor in the most celebrated award of the season-the Best Actress Award for her role in Blue Jasmine.

    If there is another opportunity the actor is waiting for, it is to win the Oscar, which many believe is a far cry from every laurel taken so far.

    Interestingly, Ejiofor will contend again with close rivals, McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club and DiCaprio for The Wolf of Wall Street at the awards on March 2.

    The Best Actor category also has Christian Bale for American Hustle and Bruce Dern for Nebraska.

    The BAFTA is Ejiofor’s first major prize, although he had received numerous acting awards and nominations, including the BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award in 2006, five Golden Globe award nominations and the Laurence Olivier award for Best Actor for Othello in 2008, same year he was presented with an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the arts.

    The actor is known for his portrayal of Okwe in Dirty Pretty Things (2002), The Operative in Serenity (2005), Lola in Kinky Boots (2005), Luke in Children of Men (2006), Dr. Adrian Helmsley in 2012 (2009) and Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave (2013).

    He is presently filming Z for Zachariah, a post-apocalyptic drama co-starring Wolf of Wall Street’s Margot Robbie and Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of the novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.