Prince William and Duchess Kate walk the red carpet at BAFTAs
LONDON -- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined stars of this year's biggest movies in central London for the annual British Academy Film Awards.
Kensington Palace noted that William is celebrating his 10th year as president of the British Film Academy and presented its highest honor, The Fellowship, to film producer Kathleen Kennedy.
Duchess Kate wore a long white tulle gown with delicate gold flower details from one of her favorite designers -- British label Alexander McQueen. Kate previously wore the gown in 2012 during the Cambridges' tour around Southeast Asia and the South Pacific in honor of the queen's Diamond Jubilee, according to British Vogue.
In an environmentally-friendly push, guests were asked by the BAFTAs to make "sustainable fashion choices" and avoid wearing new outfits for the occasion.
Lack of diversity takes center stage
Diversity at the BAFTAs was once again a talking point; all of the nominated actors this year are white, and there were no female filmmakers among those nominated for best director or best film.
Prince William addressed the lack of diversity and inclusion in a speech Sunday night and noted that BAFTA is conducting a review of the awards process to ensure that "opportunities are available to everyone."
"Tonight we celebrate another year of exceptional filmmaking and I’m thrilled that all those involved have been recognized,” Prince William said. "Both here in the U.K. and in many other countries across the world we are lucky to have incredible filmmakers, actors, producers, directors and technicians -- men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities enriching our lives through film. Yet in 2020, and not for the first time in the last few years, we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process -- that simply cannot be right in this day and age."
"I know that both Pippa, Chair of BAFTA, and Amanda, BAFTA CEO, share that frustration and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that creative talent is discovered and supported," he added.
"Joker" led with 11 nominations for its gritty and dark portrayal of Batman's disturbed nemesis, played this time by Joaquin Phoenix -- who won the award for best leading actor and also used his acceptance speech to make a statement about the lack of inclusion in the industry.
Director Quentin Tarantino was nominated for his outlandish reimagining of the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several friends in "Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood," and Martin Scorsese got a nod for "The Irishman," but both fell short of Sam Mendes, who won the best director award for World War I drama "1917."
The film "1917" also won best British film and best film -- after taking the same award at the Golden Globes.
Among Hollywood stars gracing the awards at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall were Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Renee Zellweger, Scarlett Johansson, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Adam Driver and Saoirse Ronan. Zellweger took home the award for leading actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in "Judy."
BAFTA rules allow an actor to be nominated twice in the same category for different roles, and Australian actor Margot Robbie is making history for being shortlisted as best supporting actress for her performances in both "Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood" and "Bombshell."
However, she found herself in a storm of criticism directed at the British Academy for nominating a white actor twice while no nonwhite actors were included in the category.
Despite the two nominations, Laura Dern ended up winning for "Marriage Story."
BAFTAs go green
The BAFTAs also made changes with a green initiative. Guests were asked to make "sustainable fashion choices" and recycle clothes they have previously worn.
Food served at the dinner will be from sustainable sources and there will be no single-use plastics at the event.
BAFTA chairwoman Dame Pippa Harris also said guests would go home with a "gifting wallet" made from recyclable plastic, in place of the usual goodie bags filled with champagne and luxury beauty freebies.
