THE ARRIVALS

In spite of the pouring rain, all those in attendance for the BAFTA awards exuded high spirits as they strolled up the drenched red carpet. Felicity Huffman even joked, "I'm very happy to be on the soggy red carpet. It's very English."

Cameras flashed as journalists and fans tried to get a quick glimpse of nominees. Encouraging for independent filmmakers, many of the films rewarded in 2005 had small budgets, at least by Hollywood standards, which means under $30 million. "We seem to be saying it every year, but what an incredible year it really has been for British film," Patrick Stewart gushed. Catherine Keener agreed, "It was a good year for movies and a thought provoking one."

George Clooney felt the same way. When asked how he felt about being involved in two very political films, in a year that seems dominated by them, he responded "I always think that reflects the way society turns. In our society we haven't talked about politics or anything interesting since Watergate. Now you go into a coffee shop and people are talking about what they're concerned with in the world." Unfortunately, though, Clooney made what turned out to be an accurate prediction when asked about his 2 nominations for Best Supporting Actor for Syriana and Good Night. And, Good Luck: "2 nominations, which means I automatically lose no matter what happens!"

William H. Macy talked about what nights like the BAFTA's mean for the entertainment industry: "It's something that should be more fun than anything you've ever done standing up, but it turns out you're going to work. It's an honour to be here, but it is work." Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) was a bit more cheerful about the event: "It's not such a bad thing to pat each other on the back now and again, and it's a great chance to catch up with everyone as they're so busy working." That tended to be the consensus among the stars " catching up with old friends was the order of the day as more and more A-listers strutted their stuff into the Odeon.

All of the actors also expressed surprise over the success of their respective films. Philip Seymour Hoffman, who won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his work in Capote, commented "Late in the game we thought we might have something that's not bad, and we were happy about that. But you never know how people are going to respond." And Heath Ledger echoed the sentiment for Brokeback Mountain: "We never really had any expectations to how the movie was going to be received, certainly not while shooting. It's been a real pleasant surprise the way it's reached out to people." Both Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams " his on-screen wife and real-life girlfriend want to focus their attention on their new baby daughter Mathilda. "We're not thinking that far ahead work-wise," Ledger explained. Rachel Weisz had the same comment when asked what was next for her: "I'm having a baby," she laughed, indicating her bulging stomach.

Only Jake Gyllenhaal, who picked up the award for Best Supporting Actor, revealed "Every movie that you make you assume will have this sort of response, and for a lot of them it's an underwhelming response. Why would you make [the film] if you didn't hope for this?"

That's probably true in some cases, and for all of the hopefuls at the BAFTAs their chance was about to arrive.

THE AWARDS

Stephen Fry, leading the ceremony, certainly was on good form with his one-liners and quips: "I am delighted, honoured, and let's not be too coy about these things, financially rewarded to be here tonight...." he began.

Although Constant Gardener led the pack with 10 nominations, they only received one award " for editing. Brokeback Mountain, on the other hand, emerged as the clear winner of the night " taking home the coveted Best Film and Best Direction prizes, along with a Best Supporting Actor statue for Jake Gyllenhaal and Best Adapted Screenplay for writers Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana. Memoirs of a Geisha followed with 3 awards, all in production categories " Cinematography, Costume Design, and Achievement in Film Music for the old favourite John Williams.

The night only had a few real surprises, perhaps most shockingly the Alexander Korda Award for the Outstanding British Film of the Year going to Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. With several amazing films in that category, including Constant Gardener, no one expected Wallace & Gromit to take home the award. However, the BAFTAs don't have an animation category, and it was an excellent film.

The other surprise was Joe Wright (director, Pride & Prejudice) taking home the statue for the Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer, or Producer, with many assuming producer David Belton would receive it for his work on Shooting Dogs.

Finally, the BAFTAs also include one special award which is voted on by the British public and not the British Academy. It's the Orange Rising Star Award recognizing a young actor or actress of any nationality who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition. In its inaugural year it went to James McAvoy (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). The other nominees this year were Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Love Actually, Kinky Boots), Rachel McAdams (The Family Stone, Red Eye) and Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain).

SOME WINNER'S COMMENTS

As James McAvoy received the Orange Rising Star Award, he was extremely flattered saying his luck had been, "An embarrassment of riches." He then expressed his gratitude to Mary Selway, the BAFTA winning casting director in whose honour the award was created, thanking her for nurturing his talent. He also thanked Stephen Fry for being pivotal to his career as a young boy. Next for him will be a film called Penelope with Christina Ricci, produced by Reese Witherspoon's company and another film called Starter for Ten.

Ang Lee's win of The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction on Brokeback Mountain was a pleasant surprise to him as a modest director. He revealed "I feel it's very significant" that he's the first Asian director to win a BAFTA, although he added "I'm mainly a participant...being part of it is just not that significant¦I'm still a humble filmmaker." 

Jake Gyllenhall was also thrilled at his win for Best Supporting Actor in Brokeback Mountain. "Who thought that this would happen. To the George twins, to all the nominees, I'm just flattered to be in your company." He expressed gratitude to British audiences for supporting him in his early career, first on the stage in the West End and then in Donny Darko. He then explained that "this award means a lot more to me socially than politically¦Every love story needs an obstacle, I think that's what makes a love story. And there aren't that many anymore. This is one of those last great obstacles, and this film moved me like any great love story I've ever seen." Both Heath Ledger and Gyllenhaal agreed that the film was very intense, but forged a strong friendship between them.  

Thandie Newton felt proud of her Best Supporting Actress win as a Brit, even though it was for the American film Crash. She wept as she picked up her award, and wanted to especially thank her husband: "I've found my soul mate, everyday I feel incredible that I have."  

Joe Wright picked up the Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer, or Producer in their First Feature Film and declared that he intends "to continue making British films with British cast and crews." He also feels that there's a problem with the British psyche in that the Brits aren't good at supporting each other.