BAFTA awards 2021: Adarsh Gourav had no expectations

Adarsh Gourav

The White Tiger actor Adarsh Gourav, who was nominated in the Best Actor category, failed to bag the honour. Indian actor Adarsh Gourav earned global spotlight with his nomination at the 74th British Academy of Films and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards for his performance of Balram Halwai in "The White Tiger", in the Leading Actor category.

He was in competition with Anthony Hopkins, the late Chadwick Boseman, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen and Tahar Rahim. Hopkins won the gong for The Father (2020). Getting nominated with such names is as good as a win, says Adarsh, who says he had no expectations. "I feel this is my first international film and just being nominated alongside people like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Chadwick Boseman. These people have been such a strong source of inspiration for me throughout my career. I feel a nomination is as good as a win for me," Adarsh told IANS. He added: "I did not have any expectations."

Adarsh is happy that Anthony Hopkins took back the award. "I am really happy that Sir Anthony Hopkins won it for ‘The Father'. it is a brilliant film and he was magnificent in the film. I am just so happy that he won a BAFTA for the film," he said.

Nomadland bags four honours

Director Chloe Zhao's meditative drama Nomadland emerged as the top winner at the virtual 74th British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) by bagging four awards, including the Best Film. The movie's lead star Frances McDormand picked up the Best Actress trophy while the Best Director award went to Zhao. The film was a winner in the cinematography category as well. Zhao, who became the first woman of colour to win the Best Director at BAFTA, dedicated the award to the nomadic community who "generously welcomed" her team into their lives. "They shared with us their dreams, their struggles, and their deep sense of dignity. Thank you for showing us that ageing is a beautiful part of life," she said in her speech.

Toon time

Priyanka Chopra Jonas presented the Best Animation Film award, which was bagged by Pete Docter's Soul. "Animated characters have had a great year; no social distancing, no quarantine. It's a great time to be a cartoon," the actor quipped before announcing the award. Singer hubby Nick Jonas agreed.

Irrfan, Rishi honoured

Irrfan and Rishi Kapoor were among the late screen icons who were given tributes, along with Sean Connery, Kirk Douglas and Chadwick Boseman. The tribute, in the form of a video clip, was an homage paid to over 40 artistes the world of cinema lost during the past year.