Atonement wins two Baftas
Brit flick Atonement was named best picture at the British Academy Film Awards - but it was a disappointing night for some of the nation's hotly-tipped stars. Brit flick Atonement was named best picture at the British Academy Film Awards - but it was a disappointing night for some of the nation's hotly-tipped stars. Atonement, an adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling novel which was largely filmed at Stokesay Court near Craven Arms, had been expected to sweep the board after receiving 14 nominations. But it won only two - the other was for production design. London-born Daniel Day-Lewis won best actor for his performance as an oil baron in There Will Be Blood. But it was little-known French actress Marion Cotillard who stole the show by winning the other top acting gong for her portrayal as Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose, leaving Atonement star Keira Knightley, pictured, empty-handed. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Brit flick Atonement was named best picture at the British Academy Film Awards - but it was a disappointing night for some of the nation's hotly-tipped stars.
London-born Daniel Day-Lewis won best actor for his performance as an oil baron in There Will Be Blood.
But it was little-known French actress Marion Cotillard who stole the show by winning the other top acting gong.
The 32-year-old was named best actress for her portrayal as Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose, which meant Brit hopefuls Julie Christie, who won a Golden Globe for her role in Away From Her, and Atonement's Keira Knightley left the showcase empty-handed.
Stunned by the announcement, Cotillard said: "Wow. It has been the most incredible adventure."
The French film was the big hit of the night, walking away with four Baftas including awards for music, make-up & hair, and costume design.
Atonement, an adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling novel which was largely filmed at Stokesay Court near Craven Arms, had been expected to sweep the board after receiving 14 nominations. But it won only two - the other was for production design.
James McAvoy lost out to Day-Lewis as best actor, and supporting actress Saiorse Ronan was beaten by Michael Clayton star Tilda Swinton, who was another surprise winner.
Javier Bardem took the best supporting actor award for his chilling role as an assassin in No Country for Old Men, which also saw Joel and Ethan Coen share the prize for best director. Shane Meadows was another shock recipient, awarded the gong for best British film for his semi-autobiographical tale of skinhead culture, This Is England.
Oscar-winning legend Sir Anthony Hopkins was presented with an Academy fellowship for a career spanning five decades and critical acclaim for his performances in films such as Remains of the Day, The Silence of the Lambs and Nixon.
He said: "My life in this acting game has just been one long, drawn-out surprise. I'm surprised I'm still here. I'm just a lucky guy to be here. It's such a strange business, but I'm just glad I'm a part of it."
Transformers star Shia LaBeouf - soon to be seen in the new Indiana Jones movie - won the rising star award, and The Bourne Ultimatum won a best editing and sound double.
