Back fresh from pandemic cancelations, the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held their traditional black-tie event Sunday night with big wins for sci-fi epic 'Dune' and Jane Campion's 'Power of the Dog'. 'Dune,' which took home trophies in the musical score, cinematography, production design, sound, and visual effects categories, was the evening's biggest winner. However, Jane Campion picked up the prestigious Best Director award in addition to her powerful, subtle western 'Power of the Dog' winning best film. Campion, who hails from New Zealand, is the third woman to win the directorial award in 70-years of BAFTA history. Benedict Cumberbatch, who was nominated for best actor in 'Power of the Dog', was pipped to the post by Will Smith for his portrayal of the father of Venus and Serena Williams in 'King Richard'. Meanwhile, there was a surprise win for British comedy actress Joanna Scanlan. Scanlan, known for her roles in sitcoms 'Thick of It' and 'Getting On' won best actress for her role in 'After Love,' a drama about a woman who makes a starting discovery after her husband's death. The 'Westside Story' reboot which has proven popular with critics and audiences alike scooped two prizes; Supporting Actress for Ariana DeBose and Casting. Troy Kotsur won again for Supporting Actor in 'CODA,' having previously picked up the same prize at both the SAG awards and the Independent Spirit Awards. Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast,' picked up best British Film, the only win for the highly-nominated black and white film about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The Rising Star award went to 'No Time to Die' actress Lashana Lynch. On collecting her award, Lynch thanked the women of this country who taught me what it is to be in this industry as a dark-skinned woman. "I thank you for laying the foundation for people like me." Elsewhere in the evening Paul Thomas Anderson won Original Screenplay for his 70s-set 'Licorice Pizza,' and 'CODA' won again when Sian Heder won in the Adapted Screenplay category. Meanwhile, Animated Film went to Disney's 'Encanto' and Costume Design to 'Cruella'. 'Summer Soul,' about the Harlem Cultural Festival in the 1960s US, won Documentary and Japanese 'Drive My Car' won for a film Not in the English Language. — Euronews
