Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Baftas 2015: Mike Leigh awarded fellowship despite Mr Turner nominations snubs

The British filmmaker will accept the award at the ceremony on Sunday

Jess Denham
Tuesday 03 February 2015 09:21 EST
Comments
Mike Leigh is known for directing without a script
Mike Leigh is known for directing without a script (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bafta is sending a dove of peace to director Mike Leigh after his acclaimed biopic Mr Turner failed to be nominated in any major categories.

Instead of a Best Director gong, the British filmmaker will be presented with a prestigious Bafta fellowship at London’s Royal Opera House ceremony this coming Sunday 8 February.

The 71-year-old has said he is “moved, delighted and surprised” to be awarded the Academy’s highest accolade, after previously receiving a Bafta for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in 1996.

Bafta chief executive Amanda Berry described Leigh as a “true innovator and exceptional filmmaker”.

Despite winning rave reviews from film critics, his film about English painter JMW Turner was overlooked in the Best Film and Best British Film shortlists.

Lead actor Timothy Spall missed out on a Best Actor nod despite winning the prize at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

“I was disappointed,” he told the Evening Standard. “I think a lot of people were expecting me to be nominated and then all of a sudden you find yourself getting swept up thinking that might happen and then it doesn’t and then you just let it go.”

Timothy Spall as JMW Turner in Mike Leigh's Mr Turner
Timothy Spall as JMW Turner in Mike Leigh's Mr Turner

Mr Turner is nominated in the cinematography, costume design, make-up and hair and production design categories, however, and is up for four Oscars.

A celebratory luncheon for Leigh will be held at the Savoy Hotel on Saturday before the main event airs on BBC1 at 9pm the next night.

Leigh, who has been nominated for five Oscars throughout his career, joins the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Martin Scorsese and Helen Mirren as a recipient of the Bafta fellowship.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in