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59th British Academy Film Awards
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| 59th British Academy Film Awards | |
|---|---|
| Date | 19 February 2006 |
| Site | Odeon Leicester Square, London |
| Hosted by | Stephen Fry |
| Highlights | |
| Best Film | Brokeback Mountain |
| Best British Film | Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit |
| Best Actor | Philip Seymour Hoffman Capote |
| Best Actress | Reese Witherspoon Walk the Line |
| Most awards | Brokeback Mountain (4) |
| Most nominations | The Constant Gardener (10) |
The 59th British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTAs, took place on 19 February 2006 at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, honouring the best national and foreign films of 2005. Presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, accolades were handed out for the best feature-length film and documentaries of any nationality that were screened at British cinemas in 2005.
Brokeback Mountain won Best Film, Best Director for Ang Lee, Best Supporting Actor for Jake Gyllenhaal, and Best Adapted Screenplay.[1][2][3] Philip Seymour Hoffman won Best Actor for Capote and Reese Witherspoon won Best Actress for Walk the Line. The Constant Gardener received the most nominations with 10;[4][5][6] the film only received one award: Best Editing for Claire Simpson. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, was voted Outstanding British Film of 2005.
Stephen Fry hosted the ceremony for the fifth consecutive year.
Winners and nominees
[edit].jpg)
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BAFTA Fellowship
[edit]Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema
[edit]- Robert 'Chuck' Finch and Billy Merrell
Awards
[edit]Winners are listed first and highlighted in boldface.
- ^ Credited as Thandie Newton
Statistics
[edit]
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See also
[edit]- 78th Academy Awards
- 31st César Awards
- 11th Critics' Choice Awards
- 58th Directors Guild of America Awards
- 19th European Film Awards
- 63rd Golden Globe Awards
- 26th Golden Raspberry Awards
- 20th Goya Awards
- 21st Independent Spirit Awards
- 11th Lumière Awards
- 17th Producers Guild of America Awards
- 10th Satellite Awards
- 32nd Saturn Awards
- 12th Screen Actors Guild Awards
- 58th Writers Guild of America Awards
References
[edit]- ^ "Brokeback emerges as Bafta winner". BBC News. 19 February 2006. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ Hernandez, Eugene (20 February 2006). ""Brokeback Mountain" Wins 4 BAFTA Awards, Including Best Picture". IndieWire. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ Dibdin, Emma (8 February 2015). "6 times the BAFTAs defied the Oscars: Brokeback Mountain, Ben Affleck". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "Bafta 2006 nominations in full". BBC News. 19 January 2006. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "The Constant Gardener reaps Bafta nominations". The Guardian. 19 January 2006. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ Green, Willow (19 January 2006). "Constant Gardener Rakes In Bafta Noms". Empire. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
External links
[edit]59th British Academy Film Awards
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Ceremony
Overview
The 59th British Academy Film Awards, presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), honored the best national and international feature films of 2005, recognizing excellence across various aspects of filmmaking.[3] Established in 1949 as part of BAFTA's annual ceremonies dating back to 1949, this edition exemplified the awards' evolution in the mid-2000s toward greater international scope, with nominations and wins increasingly reflecting global cinematic achievements alongside British talent.[4] Key highlights included Brokeback Mountain's sweep in major categories, particularly its win for Best Film, which highlighted the ceremony's focus on bold, diverse narratives addressing complex social themes.[1] The event also reintroduced the Best Animated Film category after a 24-year absence, signaling BAFTA's adaptation to contemporary film trends and the rising prominence of animation in both mainstream and artistic contexts.[5] This emphasis on varied genres and origins underscored the awards' role in celebrating innovative British contributions, such as in stop-motion animation, within a broader international landscape.[6] As a pivotal event in the awards season, the 59th BAFTAs, held just weeks before the Academy Awards, amplified global buzz and often influenced Oscar predictions by spotlighting frontrunners and unexpected standouts.[7]Host and Broadcast
The 59th British Academy Film Awards were hosted by Stephen Fry, who served in the role for the sixth consecutive year after beginning in 2001.[8] Fry's hosting was characterized by his signature witty and engaging style, which helped create a lively and entertaining atmosphere for attendees and viewers alike. The ceremony was televised live on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 19 February 2006.[9] It was also distributed to international audiences through various networks. The production was managed by BAFTA and the BBC team, incorporating elements such as brief musical clips from nominated films to enhance the proceedings.Special Awards
BAFTA Fellowship
The BAFTA Fellowship represents the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' highest accolade, awarded annually to honour an individual's outstanding and exceptional contributions to the fields of film, television, or games over their career.[10] Established as a lifetime achievement award, it recognises sustained excellence and influence within the entertainment industry, with past recipients including luminaries such as Alfred Hitchcock and David Lean.[10] At the 59th British Academy Film Awards, held on 19 February 2006, the Fellowship was bestowed upon David Puttnam, a distinguished British film producer whose work has profoundly shaped the landscape of independent cinema.[11] Puttnam is renowned for producing landmark films like Chariots of Fire (1981), which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, and The Killing Fields (1984), celebrated for its poignant depiction of the Cambodian genocide and earning three Oscars.[12] His production career in the 1970s and 1980s revitalised British filmmaking by championing innovative storytelling and international collaborations, amassing over 25 BAFTA wins and 10 Oscars across his projects.[13] The award was presented by longtime colleague Lord Richard Attenborough, who delivered an introduction emphasising Puttnam's pivotal role in elevating British cinema on the global stage.[14] In his acceptance speech, Puttnam reflected on the evolving media landscape and his commitment to nurturing talent, underscoring his earlier tenure as Vice-President and Chair of Trustees at BAFTA from 1994 to 2004.[15] Beyond production, Puttnam's legacy extends to advocacy for film policy and education; after retiring from active filmmaking in 1998, he focused on environmental initiatives and public policy, including serving in the House of Lords to promote cultural industries.[16] His efforts have enduringly supported the sustainability and global promotion of British creative output.[13]Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema
The Michael Balcon Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, presented annually since 1978, honors exceptional teamwork or innovation that has significantly advanced the British film industry, named after the influential producer known for his work at Ealing Studios. At the 59th British Academy Film Awards held on 19 February 2006, the award recognized the vital behind-the-scenes roles in enhancing visual storytelling through technical expertise.[17] The 2006 recipients were Robert "Chuck" Finch, a veteran gaffer responsible for heading the electrical department on film sets, and Bill Merrell, his long-time collaborator as best boy electric and rigging gaffer. Finch and Merrell were celebrated for their decades-long partnership, having worked together for over 20 years on more than 50 films each. Their lighting expertise contributed to the atmospheric and narrative depth of these projects, supporting directors and cinematographers in creating compelling visuals under challenging conditions.[1][18][19] The award was presented by American actor Matthew Modine during the ceremony at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, underscoring the duo's technical excellence in elevating British cinema's production quality. Finch and Merrell's recognition highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of lighting crews, promoting greater industry appreciation for the collaborative efforts that enable cinematic innovation and storytelling. This honor emphasized how such roles have sustained the UK's reputation for high-caliber filmmaking over generations.[20][19]Orange Rising Star Award
The Orange British Academy Film Award for Rising Star is a special honor presented annually by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to recognize emerging actors and filmmakers who have begun to capture public attention, irrespective of their years of experience. Introduced in 2006 as an inaugural category, the award was established in memory of the late casting director Mary Selway, who died in 2004 and was renowned for discovering new talent. Unlike other BAFTA categories, nominees are selected by an industry jury, but the winner is determined solely by public vote through sponsor Orange's platforms, including website, text, and phone voting, making it the only audience-decided prize at the ceremony.[21][22][23] At the 59th British Academy Film Awards, Scottish actor James McAvoy became the first recipient of the Orange Rising Star Award. Born in Glasgow in 1979, McAvoy had gained early notice through television roles, including in the Channel 4 series Shameless (2004–2005), before breaking out in films such as Starter for 10 (2006) and his portrayal of the faun Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005). His nomination highlighted his rising profile, alongside contenders like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams, and the win marked his first major industry accolade, voted by the British public for his promising versatility.[21][24][25] The award was presented during the ceremony on 19 February 2006 at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, with actor Patrick Stewart introducing McAvoy onstage. In his acceptance speech, McAvoy expressed surprise at the win and gratitude to supporters, stating, “It's nice that the audience are getting to have a say in Britain's biggest award-giving ceremony.” He also shared his exhaustion from recent work, having slept only four hours in the prior two days, while emphasizing his aspirations to continue challenging himself in diverse roles.[25][26] McAvoy's victory propelled his career forward, earning critical praise for his performance as a conflicted aide in The Last King of Scotland (2006), which contributed to a Best Actor nomination at the following year's BAFTAs, and leading to lead roles in high-profile films like Atonement (2007) and the X-Men franchise starting with X-Men: First Class (2011). The award underscored his transition from supporting parts to Hollywood stardom, solidifying his status as a versatile leading man.[27][28]Competitive Awards
Best Film Categories
The Best Film categories at the 59th British Academy Film Awards honored outstanding achievements in narrative fiction, international cinema, and documentary filmmaking, reflecting the diverse scope of global film production eligible for the 2005 release year in the UK.[29] Nominations across these categories were determined by votes from BAFTA's approximately 6,000 members, who first selected shortlists from eligible entries submitted by distributors, with the top five films in each category advancing; final winners were then chosen by the full membership through a preferential ballot system.[29] These awards emphasized overall artistic merit, production quality, and cultural impact, distinct from role-specific honors like directing or acting.Best Film
The Alexander Korda Award for Best Film, BAFTA's highest accolade for cinematic excellence, went to Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee, a poignant drama exploring a secret romance between two Wyoming ranch hands over decades, praised for its emotional depth and performances.[1][20]| Nominee | Director | Brief Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| Brokeback Mountain (Winner) | Ang Lee | Two cowboys form a forbidden love affair while herding sheep in 1963, leading to lifelong complications amid societal pressures. |
| Capote | Bennett Miller | Author Truman Capote embeds in a Kansas community to research a brutal murder, blurring lines between journalism and obsession. |
| The Constant Gardener | Fernando Meirelles | A British diplomat investigates his activist wife's death in Kenya, uncovering pharmaceutical corruption in Africa. |
| Crash | Paul Haggis | Interwoven stories of racial tensions and personal collisions in Los Angeles expose prejudice and redemption. |
| Good Night, and Good Luck | George Clooney | CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow confronts Senator McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunts in 1950s America. |
| Munich | Steven Spielberg | Israeli agents pursue Black September terrorists after the 1972 Olympics massacre, grappling with moral dilemmas. |
Best British Film (Alexander Korda Award)
This category celebrated exceptional British productions, with the winner Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, co-directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, an Aardman Animations claymation feature where inventor Wallace and his dog Gromit battle a vegetable-devouring beast terrorizing their town.[1][6]| Nominee | Director | Brief Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Winner) | Nick Park, Steve Box | The duo's pest-control business faces a monstrous rabbit plaguing local gardens, blending humor and stop-motion ingenuity. |
| A Cock and Bull Story | Michael Winterbottom | A chaotic film-within-a-film adaptation of Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy, satirizing the challenges of period drama production. |
| The Constant Gardener | Fernando Meirelles | A diplomat's quest for justice after his wife's murder reveals Big Pharma exploitation in Kenya (UK co-production). |
| Festival | Annie Griffin | An aspiring actress navigates deceit and ambition at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in this dark comedy. |
| Pride & Prejudice | Joe Wright | The Bennet sisters seek suitable husbands in Regency England, centering on Elizabeth's witty romance with Mr. Darcy. |
Best Film Not in the English Language
Recognizing non-English-language features with international distribution in the UK, the award was presented to The Beat That My Heart Skipped (De Battre mon coeur s'est arrêté), directed by Jacques Audiard, a tense drama following a young property developer's internal conflict between his criminal family ties and rediscovered piano talent.[1][20]| Nominee | Director | Brief Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| The Beat That My Heart Skipped (De Battre mon coeur s'est arrêté) (Winner) | Jacques Audiard | A Paris real estate thug, pressured by his father, auditions for a pianist spot while entangled in shady deals. |
| Le Grand Voyage | Ismaël Ferroukhi | A strict Moroccan father and his French-born son embark on a tense road trip from France to Mecca for pilgrimage. |
| Kung Fu Hustle | Stephen Chow | In 1940s Shanghai, a small-time crook aspires to join a ruthless gang but discovers hidden martial arts powers in a slum. |
| Joyeux Noël | Christian Carion | During World War I, soldiers from France, Scotland, and Germany declare an unofficial Christmas truce in the trenches. |
| Tsotsi | Gavin Hood | A Johannesburg gang leader, after a carjacking gone wrong, cares for an infant, confronting his violent past. |
Best Documentary
This category spotlighted impactful non-fiction works, awarding March of the Penguins, directed by Luc Jacquet, a visually stunning chronicle of emperor penguins' arduous Antarctic breeding migration, narrated by Morgan Freeman in the English version.[1]| Nominee | Director | Brief Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| March of the Penguins (Winner) | Luc Jacquet | Emperor penguins endure extreme cold on a 70-mile trek to mate and raise chicks, highlighting survival and parental sacrifice. |
| Darwin's Nightmare | Hubert Sauper | The Nile perch invasion of Lake Victoria devastates local fishing communities, linking to arms trade and global inequality. |
| Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room | Alex Gibney | Inside the 2001 collapse of energy giant Enron, exposing corporate fraud, greed, and regulatory failures through interviews and footage. |
| Murderball | Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro | Follows the U.S. quad rugby team of paralyzed athletes competing in the Paralympics, challenging disability stereotypes with raw intensity. |
Performance Categories
The Performance Categories at the 59th British Academy Film Awards spotlighted outstanding individual contributions through acting, distinguishing leading roles that drive the narrative from supporting roles that enhance ensemble dynamics. Voted on by BAFTA's film chapter, these awards recognized performances noted for their authenticity and emotional resonance in 2005 releases.[29]Best Leading Actor
Philip Seymour Hoffman won for his transformative portrayal of Truman Capote in Capote, embodying the author's quirky voice, mannerisms, and obsessive pursuit of a true-crime story with chilling precision.[1] The nominees were:| Nominee | Film | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Seymour Hoffman (Winner) | Capote | The eccentric writer investigating a Kansas murder. |
| David Strathairn | Good Night, and Good Luck | CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow confronting McCarthyism. |
| Heath Ledger | Brokeback Mountain | Ranch hand Ennis Del Mar in a secret long-term romance. |
| Joaquin Phoenix | Walk the Line | Country singer Johnny Cash navigating fame and addiction. |
| Ralph Fiennes | The Constant Gardener | Diplomat unraveling a pharmaceutical conspiracy in Kenya. |
Best Leading Actress
Reese Witherspoon received the award for her vibrant depiction of June Carter in Walk the Line, capturing the singer's wit, resilience, and musical talent amid a turbulent romance with Johnny Cash.[1] The nominees included:| Nominee | Film | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reese Witherspoon (Winner) | Walk the Line | Country musician June Carter balancing family and love. |
| Charlize Theron | North Country | Single mother Josey Aimes fighting workplace harassment in mining. |
| Judi Dench | Mrs. Henderson Presents | Widow Laura Henderson opening a wartime nude revue theater. |
| Rachel Weisz | The Constant Gardener | Activist Tessa Quayle exposing corporate corruption in Africa. |
| Ziyi Zhang | Memoirs of a Geisha | Geisha Sayuri rising from poverty in pre-WWII Japan. |
Best Supporting Actor
Jake Gyllenhaal earned the honor for his nuanced performance as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain, portraying a cowboy's quiet longing and internal struggle in a forbidden relationship.[1] The nominees were:| Nominee | Film | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jake Gyllenhaal (Winner) | Brokeback Mountain | Charismatic rancher Jack Twist in a decades-spanning romance. |
| Don Cheadle | Crash | Detective Graham Waters probing racial tensions in Los Angeles. |
| George Clooney | Good Night, and Good Luck | News executive Fred Friendly aiding anti-McCarthy broadcasts. |
| George Clooney | Syriana | CIA operative Bob Barnes entangled in Middle East oil politics. |
| Matt Dillon | Crash | Biased cop John Ryan dealing with urban prejudice. |
Best Supporting Actress
Thandie Newton took the prize for her intense portrayal of Christine in Crash, a woman confronting racism and trauma in a high-stakes traffic stop.[1] The nominees were:| Nominee | Film | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thandie Newton (Winner) | Crash | Upscale woman Christine Thayer enduring a racist assault. |
| Brenda Blethyn | Pride & Prejudice | Practical matriarch Mrs. Bennet scheming for her daughters' marriages. |
| Catherine Keener | Capote | Socialite Harper Lee aiding Truman Capote's research. |
| Frances McDormand | North Country | Union rep Glory Dodge supporting a harassment lawsuit. |
| Michelle Williams | Brokeback Mountain | Devoted wife Alma Del Mar facing her husband's secrets. |
Screenplay and Directing Categories
The 59th British Academy Film Awards recognized excellence in directing and screenwriting through several key categories, emphasizing the craft of narrative construction and visionary leadership in cinema. The Best Director award, formerly known as the David Lean Award, honored filmmakers who demonstrated innovative techniques in guiding performances and storytelling. Ang Lee won for his direction of Brokeback Mountain, a poignant exploration of forbidden love set against the American West, praised for its subtle emotional depth and visual lyricism.[6] The nominees included Bennett Miller for Capote, which captured the meticulous intensity of Truman Capote's investigative process; Fernando Meirelles for The Constant Gardener, blending thriller elements with social commentary on pharmaceutical ethics; Paul Haggis for Crash, a multi-threaded ensemble drama on urban racial tensions; and George Clooney for Good Night, and Good Luck, a stark black-and-white depiction of journalistic integrity during the McCarthy era.[29] These selections highlighted a year of directorial achievements that prioritized thematic innovation and restrained artistry over spectacle. In the Best Original Screenplay category, Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco received the award for Crash, lauded for its interwoven vignettes that dissected prejudice and human connection in contemporary Los Angeles, employing non-linear structure to amplify moral complexity.[6] Nominees encompassed Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman for Cinderella Man, a resilient underdog tale rooted in historical boxing drama; George Clooney and Grant Heslov for Good Night, and Good Luck, which crafted taut dialogue to evoke period-specific tension; Keir Pearson and Terry George for Hotel Rwanda, a harrowing account of genocide survival drawn from real events; and Martin Sherman for Mrs. Henderson Presents, a whimsical yet poignant script on wartime cultural defiance.[29] This category underscored original works that innovated in character-driven narratives, often addressing societal fractures through intimate, dialogue-heavy frameworks. The Best Adapted Screenplay award went to Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana for Brokeback Mountain, adapting Annie Proulx's short story into a resonant screenplay that expanded on themes of suppressed identity and enduring regret, contributing to the film's overall triumph as Best Film.[6] Other nominees were Dan Futterman for Capote, transforming Gerald Clarke's biography into a introspective study of literary ambition; Jeffrey Caine for The Constant Gardener, reworking John le Carré's novel to heighten political intrigue and personal loss; Josh Olson for A History of Violence, distilling graphic novel elements into a taut examination of concealed pasts; and Deborah Moggach for Pride & Prejudice, modernizing Jane Austen's classic with fresh wit while preserving its social satire.[29] These adaptations exemplified fidelity to source material alongside creative enhancements that enriched emotional and structural layers. The Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer, or Producer in Their First Feature Film celebrated emerging British talent, with Joe Wright winning for directing Pride & Prejudice, his feature debut after television work, where he infused Austen's tale with dynamic visuals and emotional immediacy, marking a significant entry into period drama revival.[6] Nominees included producer David Belton for Shooting Dogs, a stark Rwanda genocide drama; producer Peter Fudakowski for Tsotsi, an Oscar-winning South African import on redemption; director and writer Annie Griffin for Festival, a satirical look at Edinburgh's fringe scene; and director Richard Hawkins for Everything, an intimate study of urban alienation. Wright's victory highlighted the award's role in spotlighting debuts that blend British sensibility with global appeal, fostering innovative voices in narrative filmmaking. Overall, these categories reflected a ceremony attuned to screenplays and directions that advanced storytelling through psychological nuance and cultural critique.| Category | Winner | Film | Nominees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Director | Ang Lee | Brokeback Mountain | Bennett Miller (Capote), Fernando Meirelles (The Constant Gardener), Paul Haggis (Crash), George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck) |
| Best Original Screenplay | Paul Haggis, Bobby Moresco | Crash | Cliff Hollingsworth, Akiva Goldsman (Cinderella Man), George Clooney, Grant Heslov (Good Night, and Good Luck), Keir Pearson, Terry George (Hotel Rwanda), Martin Sherman (Mrs. Henderson Presents) |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana | Brokeback Mountain | Dan Futterman (Capote), Jeffrey Caine (The Constant Gardener), Josh Olson (A History of Violence), Deborah Moggach (Pride & Prejudice) |
| Carl Foreman Award | Joe Wright (Director) | Pride & Prejudice | David Belton (Producer, Shooting Dogs), Peter Fudakowski (Producer, Tsotsi), Annie Griffin (Director/Writer, Festival), Richard Hawkins (Director, Everything) |
Technical and Craft Categories
The technical and craft categories at the 59th British Academy Film Awards celebrated achievements in the behind-the-scenes elements that elevate cinematic storytelling through visual, auditory, and design innovations. These awards, voted on by specialized craft chapters within BAFTA comprising industry professionals, prioritize contributions that seamlessly integrate technical prowess with narrative depth, ensuring the film's artistic vision is realized effectively.[31] In the Best Cinematography category, which recognizes outstanding visual capture and lighting that define a film's aesthetic and emotional tone, Dion Beebe won for his luminous work on Memoirs of a Geisha, capturing the intricate beauty and cultural nuances of 1920s Kyoto.[6] The Best Editing award, honoring the rhythmic assembly of footage to build tension, pace, and coherence, went to Claire Simpson for The Constant Gardener, where her cuts amplified the thriller's urgency and emotional layers in exposing pharmaceutical corruption.[6] For Best Production Design, acknowledging the creation of immersive environments that support the story's world-building, Stuart Craig received the honor for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, transforming sets like Hogwarts into a vividly magical yet perilous realm.[6][1] The Best Costume Design category, celebrating attire that reflects character, period, and theme, was awarded to Colleen Atwood for Memoirs of a Geisha, with her kimonos and period details evoking the geisha tradition's elegance and constraint.[6][1] Best Makeup and Hair, which honors transformations that enhance authenticity and character development, went to Howard Berger, Gregory Nicotero, and Nikki Gooley for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, particularly their fantastical creature designs and period prosthetics that brought C.S. Lewis's world to life.[6][1] In Best Sound, recognizing the design, mixing, and effects that immerse audiences in a film's sonic landscape, Paul Massey, D.M. Hemphill, Peter F. Kurland, and Donald Sylvester won for Walk the Line, capturing the raw energy of live performances and intimate dialogues in Johnny Cash's biopic.[6][1] The Anthony Asquith Award for Best Original Music Score, awarded for compositions that profoundly influence mood and theme, was presented to John Williams for Memoirs of a Geisha, whose orchestral swells and Eastern-infused melodies underscored the film's themes of resilience and artistry.[6][1][33] Finally, Best Special Visual Effects highlighted innovative digital and practical effects integral to spectacle and plot, with Joe Letteri, Christian Rivers, Brian Van't Hul, and Richard Taylor earning the award for King Kong, where their seamless blend of CGI creatures and practical sets revived the iconic monster in a gritty 1930s adventure.[6][1]Statistics
Nominations
The nominations for the 59th British Academy Film Awards, announced on 19 January 2006, highlighted strong voter appreciation for dramatic and socially themed films, with The Constant Gardener leading all entries with 10 nominations across major and technical categories.[34] This British production earned nods in Best Film, Best British Film, Best Director (Fernando Meirelles), Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Best Actress (Rachel Weisz), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Music, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound, demonstrating particular strength in performance and craft areas.[35] Brokeback Mountain and Crash tied for second place with 9 nominations each, underscoring the appeal of international American films to BAFTA voters.[35] Brokeback Mountain secured mentions in Best Film, Best Director (Ang Lee), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor (Heath Ledger), Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal), Best Film Music, and Best Sound, while Crash featured in Best Film, Best Director (Paul Haggis), Best Supporting Actor (Don Cheadle and Matt Dillon), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Makeup and Hair, and Best Costume Design.[34] Other notable British entries, such as Pride & Prejudice with 6 nominations (including Best British Film, Best Supporting Actress for Brenda Blethyn, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hair, Best Production Design, and Best Adapted Screenplay), reflected a clear home-country bias among voters.[35] The nomination process involved over 6,000 BAFTA members, primarily from the film branch, voting in multiple rounds to shape the final shortlist.[36] In the first round, members submitted ballots to generate a longlist of eligible entries, followed by a second round where chapter-specific voting refined the nominees to five per category (or six in some cases), ensuring a broad representation of genres from drama to animation.[36] This structure revealed trends toward diverse international showings alongside British favorites, with films like Memoirs of a Geisha (6 nominations) and Good Night, and Good Luck (6 nominations) also gaining traction in technical and performance fields.[35]| Film | Total Nominations |
|---|---|
| The Constant Gardener | 10 |
| Brokeback Mountain | 9 |
| Crash | 9 |
| Pride & Prejudice | 6 |
| Good Night, and Good Luck | 6 |
| Memoirs of a Geisha | 6 |
Wins and Records
Brokeback Mountain emerged as the leading recipient at the 59th British Academy Film Awards, claiming four prizes from its nine nominations, including Best Film, Best Director for Ang Lee, Best Adapted Screenplay for Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, and Best Supporting Actor for Jake Gyllenhaal. This success highlighted the film's resonance with BAFTA voters, particularly in narrative and performance-driven categories. Memoirs of a Geisha followed with three wins in creative fields: the Anthony Asquith Award for Original Film Music for John Williams, Best Cinematography for Dion Beebe, and Best Costume Design for Colleen Atwood. Other multiple winners included Walk the Line, which took Best Actress in a Leading Role for Reese Witherspoon and Best Sound, underscoring the ceremony's emphasis on standout individual contributions within broader ensemble works.[1] The awards set notable precedents in genre representation. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit became the first animated feature to win the Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film to Cinema, a milestone for British animation that celebrated its blend of humor, craftsmanship, and cultural appeal. Brokeback Mountain's dominance in major categories—spanning production, direction, writing, and acting—mirrored patterns seen in Oscar frontrunners, positioning it as a strong predictor for the Academy Awards, where it later secured three wins including Best Director. No film achieved a complete sweep of all major categories, with Brokeback Mountain's four victories representing the closest such feat of the evening.[1][6][37] Individual achievements further defined the night. Philip Seymour Hoffman's Best Actor win for his portrayal of Truman Capote in Capote capped a year of widespread critical praise, marking his first BAFTA in a leading role and affirming the film's biographical depth. Compared to the prior year's ceremony, where British entries like Vera Drake garnered multiple major honors—including Best Director for Mike Leigh and Best Actress for Imelda Staunton—the 2006 event featured fewer triumphs for UK productions in prestige categories, with British successes largely confined to the Outstanding British Film award and select craft honors such as Best Editing for The Constant Gardener. This shift reflected a year dominated by international titles, though it still showcased British talent in supporting roles and technical excellence.[1][38]References
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/[entertainment](/page/Entertainment)/4626932.stm
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/[entertainment](/page/Entertainment)/4730718.stm