It’s kind of interesting that it took a British film director to make the most essential film about American slavery, it might take the British Academy to reward 12 Years a Slave where our DGA couldn’t. Kris Tapley takes a good long look at this over at In Contention where he believes there’s a good chance the BAFTA awards could be pivotal in a very very tight race.
Me, I think the Brits will absolutely go for Gravity all the way.
Cuaron for director, Gravity for Pic and all of the tech awards. I am thinking it will win many BAFTAS before going onward to the Oscars where it will also win. Nonetheless, Tapley says:
I’m hearing there are plenty of members just sweep-voting [12 Years a Slave], in fact, meaning it could walk away with wins for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay just two days after Oscar ballots hit mailboxes (and inboxes). Yes, Cuarón could hit his first real hiccup with BAFTA (not that his missing there would greatly affect his standing on these shores — with or without a Best Picture Oscar for “Gravity,” his award for directing seems secure). Below-the-line votes seem to be spread out a bit between the two films.
We’re kind of in the same conundrum over there that we are here. They loved American Hustle, they loved Gravity and apparently 12 Years a Slave. Anyway, interesting to note.