The Martian Gaining Buzz and Could Take BAFTA – a Quick Preview

The Last Word on Earth has a pretty great rundown of what to expect from tomorrow’s BAFTA announcement. One thing I’ve noticed from the UK critics vs. the American critics is that it looks like The Hateful Eight is more liked over there than it is here — so I wonder if it might not pop there in a few categories. What do I know about the BAFTAS? Nothing but watching The Martian win would be great if for no other reason (and there are many) to watch Jeff Wells of Hollywood-Elsewhere shit a brick. He’s not stopped bitching about it since Toronto.

There are a few ifs, buts and maybes thrown in here and there — like Spotlight and The Big Short not hitting strongly with BAFTA as they do over here, being that they are seen as kind of “U.S. issue” movies. A few pull quotes:

Meanwhile, back at The Martian – there’s an awful lot of goodwill toward Sir Ridders who frankly hasn’t made a good ‘un since Gladiator. He’s going to lead on Best Director and the film has a real shot at Best Film as well, a nomination it already has in the bag.

Spielberg and Hanks came over a few weeks back for a jammed to the rafters BAFTA screening of Bridge of Spies in Chelsea that played like gangbusters. The movie, and their subsequent Q&A, got so many laughs that we’re surprised the Globes didn’t list it as Best Sitcom. It has a real chance of nabbing that fifth ticket with Spielberg – a long-time BAFTA fave – all but guaranteed a seat at the Best Director’s table. It’s something that seems to be repeating all over this year’s awards – the old reliable is creeping in there and stealing some of the thunder. And as for Mark Rylance – Stephen Fry might as well hand him the golden face right there and then on Friday morning. Rylance is from “the theatre, dahling” and yes, we still fall for that over here. Big time! His only reasonable competition comes from Stallone – but Creed (which has yet to open in the UK) was not widely screened for voters, and no screeners were sent out. So, if Sly gets in there, it will really be a case of those that have seen it throwing their oar in (we did!) even if it is for slightly sentimental reasons.

And on Spotlight and The Big Short and Carol:

Another movie that has screened but reaction is muted to is The Big Short. It’s yet to open theatrically but – for better or worse – there seems to be a feeling that both this and Spotlight are two American “issue” led movies, both featuring an all-star ensemble tackling weighty subjects. And people just like Spotlight more – after all, it’s about paedo priests and we know a thing or two about that in the UK (witness similar Catholic church territory in Philomena a couple of years back.)

Other than that – we’re thinking Kate Winslet is a lock for Best Supporting in Steve Jobs. The much-loved local girl did a pre-Christmas “A Life In Pictures” talk on stage at BAFTA Piccadilly shortly before Christmas and brought the house down.

Michael Caine remains an outside chance in the Best Actor race for Youth, again following a really well received post-screening Q&A a few weeks back. (Yes, the BAFTA voters are star fuckers – but isn’t everyone who votes this time of year? Just check out what Ricky Gervais has to say at the Globes this Sunday.)

We’re also seeing Carol getting a fair amount of love this Friday, in the Best Film, Director and Actress categories. Although there seems to be far more talk about Mara, it’s likely she’ll end up in Best Supporting, giving Winslet a serious run for her money. We’re also hoping to see the great Anne-Marie Duff in that category for Suffragette, a once heavily touted film that may well get a nod in Outstanding British, but little else. (Deservedly.)

Read the full piece.

I am not sure exactly what the time BAFTAs will hit Los Angeles time. It is one of the many mysteries that confuse me. Some kind soul will explain it in the comments and then we’ll know.

I do expect the usual suspects, give or take a British film here or there, to be featured at the BAFTAs.  After reading this, I have no idea what they will make of The Big Short – just that I know if you aren’t that twisted up about the Wall Street meltdown it won’t have the same resonance, I suppose. The BAFTAs, in terms of the Oscars, can only really add to, they can’t take away. It’s a good way to sometimes see a nominee pop up suddenly there and then magically appear at the Oscars. They vote around the same time, with the same amount of people voting, except they have a five nominee ballot and five nominees for Best Picture.