Popstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor gave a highly-anticipated performance of her classic hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ at the renowned BAFTA Film Awards yesterday evening. The upbeat dance-pop smash featured on the viral soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn’, which was released at the end of 2023. Since then, it has gained cult status on TikTok and even made her first-ever appearance in the coveted US Billboard Hot 100. The track also reached second place on the UK singles charts last month. The singer’s performance formed part of an impressive line-up of entertainment that celebrated the glamour and innovation of the film industry, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre. The ceremony was hosted by David Tennant and saw Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ take home seven awards, while ‘Poor Things’ picked up five.
Ellis-Bextor recently spoke candidly to news media about the track’s re-release and newfound success in the US. “It’s quite extraordinary. To them it’s a new song, and that’s bonkers. It didn’t do anything there the first time around, and I’m fine with that. If I’ve learned anything along the way it’s that you’ve got to go where the momentum is,” she said. She reiterated how she had no plans to change her approach to her music to chase wider fame or fortune in the US. The singer expressed how she loved traveling, playing small venues, and meeting new people. “The glamour of being big in America would have meant a lot of time away, and I’d rather go where there are already things happening […]. I had an absolute ball with the first record in Latin America, South East Asia and all these places – but if this ends up being something that takes me there now then let’s see what happens,” added Sophie.
Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn’ has garnered critical acclaim for its clever plotting, a captivating cast, and unapologetic humor. The film’s final scene features a dramatic dance floor moment, set to the backdrop of Ellis-Bextor’s soundtrack, which has become a trending sensation on TikTok recently. Fennell, a BAFTA-winning actress and writer, made her directorial debut with the film and has been praised for her cinematic vision. Critics praised the cathartic tone of the narrative and the way it upended expectations, presenting a story that was both wickedly funny and profound.
In a four-star review of ‘Saltburn’, NME described it as “Emerald Fennell’s rich tapestry gradually unravels, and we lurch, bow tie askew, half-empty bottle of Dom Pérignon clutched in one hand, towards a gripping finale. Saltburn isn’t the most talked-about party of the year, but you shouldn’t miss it all the same.” The film offers a unique insight into the “poisonous” and often hilarious contradictions of life in elite British society, according to the magazine
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