In another hint for the upcoming Oscars, the German entry “Nothing new in the West” won the British BAFTAs. The world war drama by Edward Berger (53) was able to snag seven prizes, including the main prize in the “Best Film” category. The film prevailed against the also highly acclaimed “The Banshees of Inisherin”, the biopic “Elvis”, the sci-fi strip “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and the drama “Tár”.
In addition, “Nothing New in the West” was honored as “Best Foreign Language Film”. Director Berger was also able to celebrate separate awards: the BAFTA for “Best Director” went to the Wolfsburg-based filmmaker, and together with Lesley Paterson and Ian Stokell he was also honored for “Best Adapted Screenplay”. The other three awards for the German contribution were for “Best Film Music”, “Best Camera” and “Best Sound”. The film was able to convert half of the 14 nominations into prizes – more than any other film.
Cate Blanchett (53) received the award for “Best Leading Actress” for her performance in “Tár”, Elvis actor Austin Butler (31) won the award for “Best Leading Actor”. Director Martin McDonagh (52) snatched the award for “Best Original Screenplay”. In addition, his “The Banshees of Inisherin” was named “Best British Film” and both supporting actor categories went to the Irish tragic comedy: Kerry Condon (40) and Barry Keoghan (30) triumphed.
Meanwhile, the makers of the innovative science fiction film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” are likely to be disappointed – out of ten nominations, there was only one BAFTA (“Best Editing”). “The Batman”, “The Whale” and “Top Gun: Maverick”, each of which was nominated four times, went completely empty.
In the night of March 13, from a German perspective, it is once again important to keep your fingers crossed. With nine nominations, “Nothing New in the West” is the second most nominated entry at this year’s Oscars, alongside “The Banshees of Inisherin” and behind “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
