Culture
18 Feb 18

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri wins big but it’s a disappointing night for The Shape Of Water at the 2018 BAFTAs.

Martin McDonagh’s darkly comic drama Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri dominated Sunday night’s awards bash, taking home five gongs including Best Film, Best British Film and Original Screenplay. Stars Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell picked up the awards prizes for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor for their roles McDonagh’s film.

McDormand, who plays grieving mother Mildred Hayes, fought off competition from Saoirse Ronan, Annette Benning, Sally Hawkins and Margot Robbie to win Leading Actress.
McDormand caused a bit of a stir on the red carpet as she – along with Kate Middleton – eschewed the all-black dress code that most actresses were observing, in honour of the TimesUp and MeToo movements. She acknowledged her controversial wardrobe choice in her speech, saying, “Thank you British film people. As Martin [McDonagh] said, I have a little trouble with compliance, but I want you to know that I stand in full solidarity with my sisters tonight in black. I appreciate a well organised act of civil disobedience and I'm glad activists have been inspired by the set of three billboards and taken it to the streets.”
She continued: “When I was a young actor I was told I wasn't naturally gifted and I would have to work at it, so I did. And along the way I was very fortunate to collaborate with film makers and I'm deeply grateful to them to realise my hidden potential. Power to the people.”
Her co-star Sam Rockwell picked up the Best Supporting Actor gong, which he dedicated to the late Alan Rickman.
“This has been a real magical journey for me,” Rockwell said. “I never dreamed I’d be here in London celebrating tonight. [Martin] you’ve changed my life, thank you. As we engage in this long overdue discussion about women in the workplace I stand on the shoulders of strong righteous women who have got me here. Fran you’re the rock that this film relies and you make me proud to be an actor. This is for my pal Alan Rickman – I'll see you at the bar.”
It was also a triumphant night for British stars, with Gary Oldman winning Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The 59-year-old looked tearful as he took to the stage to accept the “tremendous honour” which he said he would share with his “three sons and my wife tonight”.
Londoner Daniel Kaluuya, who is currently appearing in Black Panther, followed in the footsteps of Spider-Man star Tom Holland and Star Wars star John Boyega, picking up the EE Bafta Rising Star Award.
Kaluuya – who was also nominated for Best Actor for his role in Jordan Peele’s hit social horror Get Out – thanked his mother for helping him achieve his dreams.
“London city – hello,” Kaluuya said. “I’ve gone blank. Thank you to all the people for voting for us all. I feel so privileged to be part of this group. I’m a product of financial funding in the UK. I’d like to thank my mum, you’re the reason why I’m here, you’re the reason for this and you’re the reason why I keep going.”
The Shape of Water may be nominated for 13 Oscars, and did received 12 BAFTA award nominations, had a disappointing night all round, only winning three awards, including Best Director for Guillermo del Toro. The film also won Production Design and composer Alexandre Desplat picked up the Original Music gong.

See the full list of winners below:

Best British Film
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Film
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Director
Guillermo del Toro – The Shape of Water

Leading Actor
Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour

Leading Actress
Frances McDormand – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Supporting Actor
Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Supporting Actress
Allison Janney – I, Tonya

EE Rising Star
Daniel Kaluuya

Adapted Screenplay
Call Me By Your Name

Original Screenplay
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Original Music
The Shape of Water