KEN Loach’s film about living on benefits has led the winners at this year’s Baftas.
The director said it was “extraordinary” as I, Daniel Blake won outstanding British film at the London ceremony, and condemned the UK Government as he accepted it.
He took to the stage to collect the first gong of the night and immediately apologised for giving a “political” speech so early on in the evening.
The film – an unflinching examination of life in the UK benefits system – beat other titles such as Denial, Notes On Blindess and the JK Rowling-penned Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.
Loach said: “Thank you to the academy for endorsing the truths of what the film says, which hundreds and thousands of people in this country know.
"The most vulnerable and poorest are treated by the government with a callous brutality that is disgraceful – a brutality that extends to keeping out refugee children we promised to help, and that’s a disgrace too.
“Films can do many things. They can entertain, terrify, they can make us laugh and tell us something about the real world we live in – sorry, it’s early for a political speech – and in that real world it’s getting darker and in the struggle that is coming between rich and poor and the wealthy and the privileged and the big corporations and politicians who speak for them.
“The rest of us on the other side – filmmakers know which side they are on and despite the glitz and glamour of occasions like this, we are with the people. Thanks for this.”
Former Skins star Dev Patel was awarded the best supporting actor Bafta for his role in Lion.
The EE Rising Star award, the only Bafta voted for by the public, went to Tom Holland, who stars in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Viola Davis swore on stage while accepting the Bafta award for best supporting actress for her role in Fences. When listing the other “wonderful nominees” in the category – Naomie Harris, Nicole Kidman, Hayley Squires and Michelle Williams – she momentarily forgot Williams and said “oh shit, I am so sorry”, before continuing her speech.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel