It is not often that the British easily yield to the French but then a good film is a good film even if it is French; and, to be fair, Brits know a thing or two about good cinema.
So, on Sunday, they let their taste had the better of snobbery as they showered French film-maker Michel Hazanavicius’s black-and-white silent movie The Artist with all the top prizes including for the Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and the Best Original Screenplay at the 65th British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards, the Baftas, setting the scene for that mega Hollywood gig, the Oscars, later this month.
In contrast, its British rival, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy , despite its brilliance, managed just two--for the outstanding British film, and the Best Adapted screenplay.
And from across the pond, in all her dazzling glory came Meryl Streep knocking down a formidable line- up of competitors to pick up the Leading Actress award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. But before she could actually claim it, she had a slight difficulty with her ill-fitting shoes one of which flew out of her feet as she climbed the stage.
"That couldn't have gone worse," she said as she regally let Colin Firth to pick it up and restore it to her fee.
Other winners included Octavia Spencer, Best Supporting Actress (Help); Christopher Plummer, Best Supporting Actor (Beginners); John Hurt, Outstanding Contribution to British cinema; and Martin Scorsese, Bafta Fellowship.
Among the big losers was George Clooney who failed to win the Best Actor Award either for The Ides of March or The Descendants.
It was French all the way, and on British soil to boot. And they couldn’t resist a gentle leg-pulling.
Accepting the original screenplay award, Mr Hazanavicius complimented the Brits for their "clevernesss" in discovering that a silent film too could have a script.
"Some people thought there was no script because there was no dialogue so the English are very clever. Congratulations to you," he said tongue firmly in the cheek.
