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This Sunday will witness the biggest night of the year for film in the UK – the BAFTA film awards. The night should prove fascinating, both because of some Oscar overlap which may shift some odds here and there, but also because of some of its somewhat more unique nominee choices. Who is most likely to win? Here are some of our predictions for a select few awards:
With the nominees for this category being identical to the Oscars, there is not much doubt that Colin Firth will walk away the champion for his portrayal of stuttering George VI, a national hero to many. Having said that, the fact that he won the same award last year for A Single Man may cast some doubt in voters’ minds, but it’s not likely.
Prediction: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
There are a couple of unusual nods here; Noomi Rapace getting a nomination for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, a 2009 film, is odd to say the least, not to mention Hailee Steinfeld being popped in this category instead of supporting actress. But realistically, it’s a toss-up – like it’s been everywhere else – between Natalie Portman and Annette Bening, though I’m almost positive the very pregnant Portman will continue adding to her statue cabinet.
Prediction: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
For any other awards show, I would say Christian Bale has this one in the bag. But Geoffrey Rush, who will most likely be ignored by every other big-time awards show, stands his best chances here, not to mention the sentiment that may well drive the academy to grant a posthumous award to the recently passed Pete Postlethwaite.
Prediction: Pete Postlethwaite, The Town (though very tentatively)
Oscar favourites Melissa Leo and Hailee Steinfeld are missing from this category, which leaves a probable duke-out between Helena Bonham Carter and Lesley Manville from the critically-adored-yet-publicly-underappreciated Another Year. With so little awards recognition, I’m tempted to say that Manville may just pull this one out of the hat – although Bonham Carter’s young Queen Mum was impossibly charming.
Prediction: Lesley Manville, Another Year
Seeing as this is a public vote, it will be a popularity contest – which sort of makes me lean towards the likeable Andrew Garfield following his spot in the tremendously popular The Social Network and recent news he’s the new Spiderman. But with a solid body of work including Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia, last year’s British hit Tamara Drewe and of course Bond film Quantum of Solace, Gemma Arterton’s likely to walk away a success.
Prediction: Gemma Arterton
Unlike with the Oscars, Nolan got recognised in this category for his outstanding work in Inception, but he faces tough competition from The Social Network’s David Fincher and of course Tom Hooper of the possibly indestructible The King’s Speech. Chances are the British will probably shine a spotlight on their own production, but Nolan winning (with a British background of his own) would make a stunning upset.
Prediction: Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech
While many might assume The King’s Speech would be a shoo-in here, historically speaking the big British film of the year has usually won Best Film, with a more sleeper hit nabbing this statue. So my bet is personally on Another Year.
Prediction: Another Year
It’s not every year the UK has an awards favourite as its poster child, so there’s no doubt in my mind The King’s Speech will be pounced on by the academy like a lion on a gazelle – especially in this category.
Prediction: The King’s Speech
Watch the BAFTA broadcast on Sunday at 9pm on BBC1 For a full list of nominees, click here
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