‘Slumdog’ Wins 7 at BAFTAs

Published by Jeff Leins on February 9, 2009

Slumdog Millionaire was the big winner on Sunday at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, taking home seven statues in the U.K.’s version of the Oscars.

The “little indie that could” won best film, director, cinematography, and adapted screenplay.  It has won the top awards at the WGA, SAG, PGA, DGA, and Golden Globes.  Another movie winning “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards later this month would be a huge upset at this point.

“Best Actor” went to Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler and British-born Kate Winslet was recognized for her brilliance in The Reader.  Heath Ledger won another posthumous award for his supporting role in The Dark Knight and Penelope Cruz won for her supporting performance in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

The ceremony earned a 19% share for BBC and was watched by 5.1 million viewers, a big increase over last year.  Meanwhile, the Academy Awards saw their lowest ratings ever last year with an 18.7% share.

Click here for a complete list of winners.

I’ve included videos of the acceptance speeches below.  Mickey Rourke’s is funny and filled with profanity.

Heath Ledger wins for Best Supporting Actor:

Mickey Rourke wins for Best Actor

Slumdog Millionaire wins Best Film

Danny Boyle wins Best Director

Kate Winslet wins Best Actress