His latest film Mr Turner may have suffered a virtual shutout in this year’s Baftas, but Mike Leigh may find some consolation after UK film’s most prestigious awards-giving body honoured the veteran director with its annual Bafta fellowship.
Described by Bafta chief executive Amanda Berry as “one of Britain’s finest film-makers … a true innovator, an artist and an exceptional film-maker”, Leigh responded to the announcement by saying: “What a privilege to be honoured with the Bafta fellowship. I’m moved, delighted and surprised.”
Leigh has previously won three Bafta awards for his films, taking outstanding British film and best original screenplay in 1996 for Secrets and Lies, and best director in 2004 for Vera Drake, and two special Bafta awards: one for outstanding British contribution to cinema in 1996 and the John Schlesinger Britannia award for artistic excellence in directing, given to Leigh in 2014 by Bafta’s Los Angeles branch.
However, despite receiving four Bafta nominations – for best cinematography, costume design, score and production design – Mr Turner was snubbed in all the major categories for this year’s ceremony. It was also excluded from the outstanding British film category, despite considerable critical acclaim and awards success at Cannes (best actor for Timothy Spall) and a number of critics societies, including the London Film Critics’ Circle. Mr Turner also has four Oscar nominations – in the same categories as its Bafta nods.
The fellowship was first awarded in 1971 to Alfred Hitchcock, and has subsequently been given to outstanding figures across the film, TV, and latterly videogame industry. Leigh follows recent honorees such as Ken Loach, Vanessa Redgrave and Terry Gilliam.
The Bafta film awards take place on 8 February at the Royal Opera House in London.
.jpg?w=600)
