NFTS graduates have received a record number of 12 nominations at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – including nine recent graduates! This brings the total number of NFTS graduate nominations in the school's history to a fantastic 310.
We have 78 graduates involved on 17 BAFTA nominated films: Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, The Selfish Giant, Rush, We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks, For Those In Peril, Iron Man 3, Star Trek: Into Darkness, Captain Phillips, Philomena, Despicable Me 2, Gravity, Keeping Up With The Jonses, Orbit Ever After, Room 8, Swimming With The Fishes, Saving Mr. Banks, The Invisible Woman.
NFTS animated films continue to attract accolades. Our 2013 graduation film ‘Sleeping With The Fishes’ is nominated in the Best Short Animation category. This is our 10th Nomination in this category. Abuelas (2011), Sap (2003). Lounge Act (2001), Blindscape (1994), Balloon (1992), A Grand Day Out (1990), The Hill Farm (1989), Rarg (1989), Dreamland Express (1983).
The BAFTA nominees are:
Clio Barnard (British Film, The Selfish Giant)
Danny Hambrook (Sound, Rush)
James Walker (British Short Animation, Sleeping With The Fishes)
Sarah Woolner (British Short Animation, Sleeping With The Fishes)
Yousif Al-Khalifa (British Short Animation, Sleeping With The Fishes)
Michael Pearce (British Short Film, Keeping Up With The Joneses)
Megan Rubens (British Short Film, Keeping Up With The Joneses)
Jamie Stone (British Short Film, Orbit Ever After)
Len Rowles (British Short Film, Orbit Ever After)
James W. Griffiths (British Short Film, Room 8)
Paul Wright (Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, For Those In Peril)
Polly Stokes (Debut by a British Writer, Director of Producer, For Those In Peril)
Of the 12 nominees, nine are first time nominees. Clio Barnard was previously nominated for Best Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for her film ‘The Arbor’ in 2011. Danny Hambrook has previously been nominated for his sound work on ‘Atonement’ and the television film ‘Red Riding 1974’. Paul Wright won Best Short Film for his 2010 graduation film ‘Until The River Runs Red’. He was previously nominated for his debut short film ‘Hikikomori’ in 2007.
NFTS Director Nik Powell said: “12 Nominations makes this the most successful year in the NFTS’ history at the BAFTA Film Awards. This is proving to be a fantastic start to 2014 with graduates involved in more box-office hit films than ever before. Congratulations to all involved.”
As of January 2014, the final world-wide box office total for films with NFTS graduation involvement was $9,093,717,882– breaking last year’s record by over $1bn. NFTS graduates were involved in eight of the 10 highest grossing films of the year.
Pictured are actors Luke Evans and Helen McCrory who announced the nominations at BAFTA today. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at London's Royal Opera House on 16 February.
Photo credit: BAFTA/Jamie Simonds
