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This year the BAFTA Film Awards are pulling out all the stops, with the star-studded ceremony set to be one of the most well attended by nominees on-record.

Honouring the best work in film, both in the UK and internationally, A-list stars from around the globe will compete to take home a distinctive gold statuette. But how does it feel to get a nod?

From “too insane” to “creative intimidation” and “deep gratification”, four BAFTA nominees tell Sky News about the rollercoaster ride to being nominated on the British film industry’s biggest night.

Martin McDonagh

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‘I’m half happy when we lose’: Banshees Of Inisherin director tells Sky News about awards show nerves

The Oscar-winning writer-director behind previous hits including Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and In Bruges, already has a shelf full of BAFTAs at home – four to be precise.

Now his Irish tragicomedy Banshees Of Inisherin – which tells the tale of male friendship gone sour – may mean he has to put up a second shelf, with the movie up for a score of BAFTAs.

The stars of the film – Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon are all up for acting awards on the night too.

Embodying the phrase ‘Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst’, McDonagh told Sky News: “I’m bad at public speaking, so I kind of I’m half happy when we lose so I don’t have to go up there.

“But no, it’s better to be in the mix than not to be in the mix. So, it’s weirdly both exciting and scary at the same time.”

Michelle Yeoh

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Best Actress BAFTA nominee Michelle Yeoh on Hollywood’s attitude to her latest film

She first gained international attention as a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies, and got her first BAFTA nomination for her starring role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – but it’s Everything Everywhere All At Once that could nab Michelle Yeoh her first BAFTA.

The Malaysian actress plays Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged laundrette owner transported into ever more baffling parallel worlds, in the multiverse madness that is Everything Everywhere. Like Banshees it’s scored ten nods.

This touching indie sci-fi has been a word-of-mouth and critically acclaimed hit, and is directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert – collectively known as the Daniels (they are up for a best director BAFTA too).

An unexpected lead contender in this year’s awards season, and far from normal awards-season fare, perhaps one of the movie’s lead characters – Waymond Wang as Alpha Waymond – puts it best when he tells Evelyn: “Every rejection, every disappointment has led you to this moment. Don’t let anything distract you from it.”

Read more:
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All the stars and big films up for a BAFTA

Ke Huy Quan, who plays Waymond, is also up for a BAFTA, as is co-star Jamie Lee Curtis.

Yeoh told Sky News: “Normally people would go like, this is too insane. But our world is chaotic and insane and unpredictable, and we have to learn to embrace whatever comes our way.”

Despite leaning into it, she also revealed she is really just like the rest of us, admitting: “I don’t like the pressure. This is my first time [being nominated at lots of big awards].

“So, I don’t understand how intense it is. Just getting the nominations was terrifying… Because it felt like a big part of the world was wanting it so bad.”

Bill Nighy

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Bill Nighy tells Sky News about his ‘deeply gratifying’ experience with new film Living

One of Britain’s most popular actors, with credits including Love Actually and Harry Potter, Bill Nighy already has two BAFTAs to his name – and now he’s up for another one.

The 73-year-old star plays buttoned-up civil servant Mr Williams, who works joylessly in the county public works department, until a terminal diagnosis inspires him to make a change.

Living is The Kazuo Ishiguro-scripted remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 film Ikiru – which quite literally reminds us to make the most of life – is up for three BAFTAs in total.

Nighy told Sky News: “People really respond to the movie and they’re inspired by it, which is what it was designed to do. So, it’s deeply, deeply gratifying.”

Asked if he was enjoying his awards buzz, he took a melancholy note from the character that earned him the nod, saying: “As much as I’m able to enjoy anything, I have a negative tendency which I have to really kind of combat.

“But no, seriously, yeah, it’s absolutely marvellous.”

Brendan Fraser

One of the biggest stars of the 1990s, Canadian-American actor Brendan Fraser’s return to Hollywood after nearly 20 years out of the limelight has been nothing short of spectacular.

The 53-year-old’s comeback even inspired its own definition – the “Bren-aissance”.

His warmly received re-entry into showbiz has earned him nods aplenty, including a BAFTA nomination for best lead actor.

Directed by Black Swan filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, The Whale tells the story of an extremely obese man trying to reconnect with his daughter. The movie has four BAFTA nominations in total.

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Fraser told Sky News: “Of the award stuff. It’s new to me, but we’re all frothy and happy and giddy and happy for this with fingers crossed and best fondest hopes for success.

“But who knows what the result is going to be. But I’m confident, I think that we’ve got a shot at making it to the finish line.”

As for whether he thought the film would be a success when he first took it on, he said: “I didn’t have any doubts… If anything, I had enthusiasm and some hope and some humility and a little bit of creative intimidation.”

The BAFTA Film Awards take place on Sunday 19 February at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.

The ceremony will be broadcast from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Sky News will be covering live from the red carpet beforehand and throughout the ceremony before the programme itself begins.

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‘The heartbeat of Blondie’: Drummer Clem Burke dies aged 70

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'The heartbeat of Blondie': Drummer Clem Burke dies aged 70

Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died at the age of 70

The band said Blurke had been diagnosed with cancer, and described his death as a “profound loss”.

He featured on all the Debbie Harry-fronted group’s studio albums since joining a year after their formation in 1975.

Blurke was with the band from their self-titled debut, through their 1978 classic Parallel Lines, to 2017’s Pollinator.

Drummer Clem Burke.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Drummer Burke.
Pic: Reuters

In a statement on Blondie’s Instagram, Harry and the band’s guitarist, Chris Stein, said: “It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer.

“Clem was not just a drummer, he was the heartbeat of Blondie.

“His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.

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“Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie, a self-proclaimed ‘rock and roll survivalist’, he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists.”

Clem Burke drummer of the band Blondie in his performance at Festival Estereo Picnic 2023.
Pic: AP
Image:
Burke in his performance at Festival Estereo Picnic 2023.
Pic: AP

Burke featured on Iggy Pop’s 1982 album Zombie Birdhouse and also performed with Bob Dylan, The Ramones, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and Joan Jett.

The statement went on to say Burke had left an “indelible mark on every project he was part of”.

It added: “We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.”

Burke, who performed on classic tracks such as Call Me, Heart Of Glass and One Way Or Another, made his final live appearance with Blondie last year.

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Blondie performs during Glastonbury Festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, England, Sunday, June 25, 2023.  
Pic: Invision/AP
Image:
Blondie performing during Glastonbury Festival in 2023.
Pic: Invision/AP

Among those paying tribute to him was Kinks guitarist Dave Davies, who said: “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon.

“May he rest in peace, spectacular drumming, we were friends.”

Nancy Sinatra said: “My heart is shattered. Clem became an icon as a member of Blondie, but he was also an important part of my band, the K.A.B. I was blessed to call him my friend.

“If I ever needed him, he was there. Always. Sending healing prayers and comfort to his widow, Ellen, his family, and all who loved him.”

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Olivier Awards: US actor says ‘special relationship firmly intact’ despite Trump’s tariffs

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Olivier Awards: US actor says 'special relationship firmly intact' despite Trump's tariffs

British star Lesley Manville and American actor John Lithgow have won the acting categories at this year’s Olivier Awards, which recognise excellence in London theatre.

Lithgow, 79, played Roald Dahl in Giant, which is about the children’s author wondering whether to make a public apology.

While accepting his award he appeared to reference the current controversy over Donald Trump’s second term as US president.

The Conclave star quipped: “It’s not always easy to welcome an American into your midst, and at this particular moment, it’s probably a little more complicated than usual.”

He also told the audience at the Royal Albert Hall that the “special relationship is still firmly intact”, despite Mr Trump imposing tariffs on British exports to the US.

His co-star, English actor Elliot Levey, took best actor in a supporting role.

Giant was also named best new play.

Lesley Manville was best actress. Pic: PA
Image:
Lesley Manville was best actress. Pic: PA

Manville, 69, was honoured for her performance in the Greek tragedy Oedipus at the Wyndham’s Theatre.

She said she felt “emotional” while accepting her statuette because it was a production she had “felt very strongly about being” in.

Manville, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, added that she was taking an early flight to Dublin on Monday to do some filming, and would not be getting “much sleep tonight”.

Romola Garai was best actress in a supporting role. Pic: PA
Image:
Romola Garai was best actress in a supporting role. Pic: PA

Best actress in a supporting role went to Romola Garai for her performance in The Years, based on a memoir by French writer Annie Ernaux.

Garai, whose film credits include Scoop and Atonement, was nominated in the same category for Giant.

Elliot Levey was best actor in a supporting role. Pic: PA
Image:
Elliot Levey was best actor in a supporting role. Pic: PA

Dame Imelda Staunton won a fifth Olivier, for best actress in a musical for the London revival of classic musical Hello, Dolly!

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button won best new musical, a best actor musical award for Lark Rise To Candleford actor John Dagleish, and the outstanding musical contribution award.

The annual event was co-hosted by British singer Beverley Knight and Pose star Billy Porter.

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Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia talked about modern masculinity before Gen Z was born 

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Pete Townshend's Quadrophenia talked about modern masculinity before Gen Z was born 

Despite The Who’s Quadrophenia being set over 60 years ago, Pete Townshend’s themes of identity, mental health, and modern masculinity are just as relevant today.

The album is having a renaissance as Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia A Mod ballet is being brought to life via dance at Sadler’s Wells East, and Sky News has an exclusive first look.

As Townshend puts it, the album he wrote is “perfect” for the stage.

Pete Townshend
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Pete Townshend

“My wife Rachel did the orchestration for me, and as soon as I heard it I said to her it would make a fabulous ballet and we never really let that go,” he tells Sky News.

“Heavy percussion, concussive sequences. They’re explosive moments. They’re also romantic movement moments.”

If you identify with the demographics of Millennial, Gen Y or Gen Z, you might not be familiar with The Who and Mod culture.

But in post-war Britain the Mods were a cultural phenomenon characterised by fashion, music, and of course, scooters. The young rebels were seen as a counter-culture to the establishment and The Who, with Roger Daltry’s lead vocals and Pete Townshend’s writing, were the soundtrack.

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Quadrophenia the album is widely regarded as an essay on the British adolescent experience at the time, focusing on the life of fictional protagonist Jimmy – a young Mod struggling with his sanity, self-doubt, and alienation. 

Townshend sets the rock opera in 1965 but thinks its themes of identity, mental health, and modern masculinity are just as relevant today.

He says: “The phobias and the restrictions and the unwritten laws about how young men should behave. The ground that they broke, that we broke because I was a part of it.

“Men were letting go of [the] wartime-related, uniform-related stance that if I wear this kind of outfit it makes me look like a man.”

Paris Fitzpatrick and Pete Townshend. Pic: Johan Persson
Image:
Paris Fitzpatrick and Pete Townshend. Pic: Johan Persson

This struggle of modern masculinity and identity appears to be echoing today as manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate, incel culture, and Netflix’s Adolescence make headlines.

For dancer Paris Fitzpatrick, who takes on the lead role of Jimmy, the story resonates.

Paris Fitzpatrick, who takes on the lead role of Jimmy in the ballet
Image:
Paris Fitzpatrick, who takes on the lead role of Jimmy in the ballet

“I think there’s a connection massively and I think there may even be a little more revival in some way,” he tells Sky News.

“I love that myself. I love non-conforming to gender norms and typical masculinity; I think it’s great to challenge things.”

Despite the album being written before he was born, the dancer says he was familiar with the genre already.

“I actually did an art GCSE project about Mods and rockers and Quadrophenia,” he says.

“I think we’ll be able to bring it to new audiences and hopefully, maybe people will be inspired to to learn more about their music and the whole cultural movement of the early 60s.”

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In 1979, the album was adapted into a film directed by Franc Roddam starring Ray Winstone and Sting but Townshend admits because the film missed key points he is “not a big fan”.

“What it turned out to be in the movie was a story about culture, about social scenario and less about really the specifics of mental illness and how that affects young people,” he adds, also complimenting Roddam’s writing for the film.

Perhaps a testament to Pete Townshend’s creativity, Quadrophenia started as an album, was successfully adapted to film and now it will hit the stage as a contemporary ballet.

It appears that over six decades later Mod culture is still cool and their issues still relatable.

Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet will tour to Plymouth Theatre Royal from 28 May to 1 June 2025, Edinburgh Festival Theatre from 10 to 14 June 2025 and the Mayflower, Southampton from 18 to 21 June 2025 before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London on 24 June running to 13 July 2025 and then visiting The Lowry, Salford from 15 to 19 July 2025.

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