BAFTAs 2017: The biggest snubs and surprises

With awards season in full swing, it was the turn of the Brits last night to take their time in the limelight at the 70th EE British Academy Film Awards last night. Who were the big winners and losers of the night?

Which films and actors were cruelly snubbed, and which stunned us by striking big?

Rising Star

Often an indicator in regards to a one-to-watch talent, it wasn’t the hugely talented Ruth Negga that won this, but Marvel’s new Spider-Man Tom Holland.

BAFTA 2017: Winners gallery
BAFTA 2017: The full list of winners
BAFTA goody bags revealed

Perhaps the result wasn’t totally reflective of achievement because it was decided by a public vote, and clearly Tom has a lot of fans out there. Still, young Holland was as shocked (and deserving) to hear his name as we were.

No love for Moonlight

Considering the buzz around this one – not to mention Best Supporting Actor and Actress nods for Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris, as well as Best Picture on the night – it won nothing, which raised a few eyebrows. There’s still a strong chance that Mahershala can win an Oscar, which will hopefully bear a more diverse selection of winner this year round. But that’s obviously not the sole reason ‘Moonlight’ should win – the film, as well as Mahershala and Harris’ performances, are excellent.

Disney’s defeat

Usually the Mouse House walk away with an award or two. But this year ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ emerged the victor in the Best Animation category, which, while totally deserved, it was rather surprising that ‘Zootropolis’ didn’t walk away with the award. Chances are it’ll win the Oscar comfortably, but this throws a bit of healthy competition into the mix.

Battle of the Supports

Arguably the most pleasant surprise of the evening was Dev Patel’s win for ‘Lion’. He fought off stiff competition from Hollywood heavyweight Jeff Bridge in ‘Hell of High Water’ and rising star Mahershala Ali for the lauded ‘Moonlight’.

Sharing of the spoils

For the most part at least, ‘La La Land’ didn’t totally sweep up. It did however nab Best Cinematography, Film, Director, and Lead Actress, but generally the spoils were shared amongst a much wider variety of films, it must be said. Hopefully the Oscars will follow suit.

As significant as the BAFTAs is, it is still essentially a precursor to the Oscars at the end of the month. Often, the results here reflect what we eventually see happen in the Academy Awards, but there’s also a chance that there may be some more shocks and surprises to come in the winner categories.

The Oscars will take place on 26 February.

Read more:
Tom Holland named BAFTAs Rising Star
Full list of BAFTAs 2017 winners
Meryl Streep slams Donald Trump in another epic speech