The British film industry tended to honour their own at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards in London. Although most American nominees were left out in the cold, Sense and Sensibility won Best Film, beating off challenges from Babe, The Madness of King George and The Usual Suspects. Its American producer, Lindsay Doran, picking up the award, thanked her husband, adding that their relationship confirmed the lesson of the film 'that love is worth waiting for.' Sense… also prevailed over adversity by claiming the Best Actress award for Emma Thompson and Best Supporting Actress for Kate Winslet.
Best British film went to The Madness of King George, the star of which, Nigel Hawthorne, was crowned Best Actor. The Best Directing honour was picked up by British director Michael Radford for Il postino (The Postman), and the film was chosen as Best Film Not in the English Language. Radford shared with the British Academy audience the experience of being 'a lonely Brit among all that pasta'. He admitted that when he'd told his mother of his nomination she'd replied, 'It's all very nice Michael, but do you have a job?'
Tim Roth rode away with Best Supporting Actor for his role in Rob Roy. Christopher McQuarrie rounded up the Best Original Screenplay award and John Hodge injected a bit of youthful talent with Best Adapted Screenplay award for Trainspotting.
The audience award went to Braveheart for Best Film. John Schlesinger was made a Fellow of the Academy.
Leo Barraclough
