BAFTA bosses finally addresses the 'social media prankster' who crashed the stage when 'Oppenheimer' director, actor, and producers accepted Best Film title.
- Feb 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - BAFTA has blasted the actions of a "social media prankster" who invaded the stage when "Oppenheimer" was named Best Film at Sunday's February 18 ceremony. Director Christopher Nolan, producers Emma Thomas and Charles Roven, and leading man Cillian Murphy all took the stage for the final award of the night at the EE British Academy Film Awards, which took place at London's Royal Festival Hall, and they were joined by a prankster who was removed by security.
BAFTA has admitted they are taking the matter "very seriously." A BAFTA spokesperson told Variety, "A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage - we are taking this very seriously, and don't wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further."
The prankster appeared from the opposite side of the stage to the "Oppenheimer" stars and was still on the stage when Thomas delivered her speech. Despite the stage intrusion, "Oppenheimer" had a hugely successful night at this year's BAFTAs, scooping seven awards.
The historical saga - based on the life of American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer - was nominated for a total of 13 awards and triumphed seven times, for Best Film, Leading Actor for Murphy, Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., Best Director for Nolan, along with Original Score, Cinematography and Editing accolades.
Accepting his prize, Murphy said, "Oh boy, holy moly, thank you very, very much BAFTA. To the most dynamic, kindest producer-director partnership in Hollywood, Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, thank you for seeing something in me that I probably didn't see in myself. Thank for always pushing me and demanding excellence because that is what you deliver time and time again."
He added to his "fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies, I know it's a cliche to say, but I'm in awe of you."
