By Jeffrey Jolson
Queen Mirren in London
at BAFTA awards
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 02/11/07 — The final jewel in the crowns leading to Oscar coronation was given to actors Forest Whitaker, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Hudson and Alan Arkin Sunday night at the Orange British Academy Film Awards.
The only difference in the outcome expected at the Oscars on Feb. 25 is “The Queen” was given the Best Picture throne and “United 93’s” Paul Greengrass was crowned best director at the BAFTA event at London’s Royal Opera House. He is up for director’s honors at the Academy Awards as well, though the picture was largely snubbed in the States. In addition, Arkin will have a hard time beating Eddie Murphy on Oscar night.
With a list of nominees largely identical to the Oscars, the Brits gave the royal flush to “The Departed” and “Devils Wears Prada” and short shrift to other multiple -nominees “Casino Royale” and “Babel.”
The most interesting honoree of the night was surreal fantasy “Pan’s Labyrinth” which tied “Last King of Scotland” as top winner with three awards.
“Little Miss Sunshine” surprisingly beat “The Queen” for best original screenplay to give two prizes to the Mirren-starring picture. Other double winners were “United 93″ and “Children of Men.”
Nine time nominee “Casino Royale” figured on a bright showing but won sound design and a fan-voted emerging star award for actress Eva Green.
WINNERS LIST: The Orange British Academy Film Award Winners
Best Film: The Queen
Best British Film: The Last King of Scotland
Best Director: Paul Greengrass
Best Actor: Forest Whitaker
Best Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Last King of Scotland
Original Screenplay: Michael Arndt, Little Miss Sunshine
Animated: Happy Feet
Editing: United 93
Visual Effects: Pirates 2
Original Score: Babel
Best Sound: Casino Royale
Best Foreign Film: Pan’s Labyrinth
Best Makeup: Pan’s Labyrinth
Best Costume: Pan’s Labyrinth
The Academy Fellowship: Anne V. Coates
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Nick Daubeny