At the BAFTA Film Awards in London last night, Christopher Nolan won the Best Director award for his work on Oppenheimer, a biopic about Robert J. Oppenheimer, the American physicist who played a significant role in the creation of the atomic bomb in World War II. Nolan took the opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and organisations who have fought for nuclear disarmament, pointing out that they have reduced the number of nuclear weapons in the world by almost 90% since its peak in 1967. The theme was particularly fitting given that Oppenheimer was dubbed ‘the father of the atomic bomb.’ The film won a total of seven awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy.
Nolan made reference to the end of the film during his acceptance speech, highlighting the character’s fear that his work may not have saved the world but accelerated its end. “I do just want to say, our film ends on what I think is a dramatically necessary note of despair,” he said. “But in the real world, there are all kinds of individuals and organisations who have fought long and hard to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world.” Consequently, he used the platform to acknowledge their efforts and emphasise the necessity and potential of efforts for peace.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor also performed at the ceremony, singing her resurgent hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor,’ which has experienced a recent viral revival following its inclusion in the memorable final scene in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. Poor Things was the runner-up, earning five awards, while The Zone of Interest took three. The BAFTA Film Awards honour the best achievements in filmmaking, television, and video games. In all categories, the winners are chosen by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ voting membership, made up of over 6,700 individuals from the arts community across the globe
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