Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! Special – BAFTA 2015 Predictions Page 1

Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! Special – BAFTA 2015 Predictions

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With just a few days to go before the red carpet is rolled out and the winners' speeches made, it's time to predict who's likely to walk away with a coveted gold mask. Like the Oscars, this year's BAFTAs haven't escaped their share of controversy: Selma's absence from the list of nominees and the surprisingly low-key recognition for Mike Leigh's Mr. Turner raised more than a few hackles. However, it will be all smiles - real and forced - come Sunday night.

Ahead of the pack, in terms of the number of nominations, is Wes Anderson's shaggy dog story, The Grand Budapest Hotel, with Oscar favourites Birdman and The Theory of Everything at ten each and The Imitation Game on nine. Not that nominations automatically translate into wins, of course, nor do the BAFTAs necessarily go the way of the Oscars. Although, this year the gap could be narrowing.
Image for Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! Special – BAFTA 2015 Predictions

Image for Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! Special – BAFTA 2015 Predictions

Here's how the crystal ball sees the results:

Best Film

It's another two horse race this year, this time between Birdman and Boyhood.

Should win: Boyhood. Richard Linklater's family story is crafted with love and skill.
Will win: Boyhood. However, Birdman won't go away empty handed.

Outstanding British Film

Last year's win for Gravity resurrected the whole question of what constitutes a British film. The criteria haven't changed this year, but the nominees are more obviously flying the flag, and, despite the absence of Mr. Turner, it's going to be close.

Should win: Pride. The feel-good story of gay activists supporting the miners won hearts by the thousands and would be a popular win.

Will win: The Theory of Everything. Something of a consolation prize for not getting Best Film.

Best Director

With Boyhood likely to win Best Film, BAFTA should take last year's "honour even" approach by giving this award to its closest rival, Birdman. Technically, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film is the superior of the two.

Should win: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Birdman, for its bold "one long take" look.

Will win: Innaritu, unless BAFTA is planning for one of the year's outstanding films to go away empty-handed.

Leading Actor

Neither Timothy Spall nor David Oyelowo made the cut but, yet again, this category is fiercely contested. Until the Screen Actors Guild awards a week ago, Michael Keaton was well out in front for his performance in Birdman. However, Eddie Redmayne's win has changed all that.

Should win: Michael Keaton, Birdman. His return to the spotlight is both welcomed and brilliant.

Will win: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything. His portrayal of Stephen Hawking is a career best and the odds are shortening on the Oscar.

Leading Actress

Predicting this one is much easier, with one actress well ahead of the pack… yet UK readers don't get to see her performance until early March.

Should win: Julianne Moore, Still Alice. A sensitive and subtle performance in the film about Alzheimer's, which opens in the UK in March.

Will win: Julianne Moore. As one of the most consistent and best actresses around, there's a general feeling that this is "her year."

Supporting Actor

The winner's name was probably engraved on the trophy months ago, such is the predictability of this category. The rest of the nominees are trailing in his wake - yes, even Edward Norton!

Should win: J. K. Simmons, Whiplash. His obsessive music teacher would expect nothing less than a win. After all, there are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job!"

Will win: J. K. Simmons. Next…

Supporting Actress

While there's another clear front runner for this category, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that BAFTA will go its own merry way on this one, favouring some home grown talent instead. Realistically, though, it's a long shot.

Should win: Imelda Staunton, Pride. This would be a popular win, even in Swansea, which has achieved a certain notoriety after her classic line!

Will win: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood. She's the front runner and is unlikely to be beaten.

Assuming the crystal ball has worked its magic, it will be honours even for Boyhood and Birdman and few genuine upsets. The Theory of Everything looks like outshining The Imitation Game, which, despite all its nominations, may find itself just making up the numbers on the night. The same could easily happen to The Grand Budapest Hotel, as well.

The BAFTA film awards are presented on Sunday, 8th February, so check back that evening for the Cubed3 round-up of the winners and losers. Before then, the full list of nominations can be found at the official website.

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jesusraz 05.02.2015#1

No love for Paddington? I'm surprised! Or is that a French film...maybe...it's Studio Canal, isn't it? But then again, the line for what is and isn't a British film nowadays seems a bit smudged.

I really don't Boyhood to win - it's only getting attention because it's a one-of-a-kind movie, not because it was interesting at all. The story dragged so much.

Same goes for Theory of Everything - only getting attention because the lead actor can mimic Stephen Hawking well. Honestly? I think many other actors could deliver the exact same performance.

A GREAT example of how to make a touching movie with a really good story, and still tapping into that 'sensitive subject' territory, is Still Alice. One of my favourites of the year so far...and the British public still haven't had the pleasure of seeing it yet!