BAFTAs 2015: Theory of Everything producer “surprised but thrilled”

Working Title’s Eric Fellner, producer of The Theory of Everything and Trash, has told Screen he was “surprised but thrilled” by his film’s 10 nominations.

“I’m thrilled about Theory’s ten nominations because we have such a deep talent pool here in the UK and this film is 100% British,” said Fellner.

“I’m thrilled to see that we got recognized in some of the craft departments, which can be hard to get into with so many big films around. A great film always starts with a great director so I’m very glad James [Marsh] got recognition. Every nomination is a privilege and an honour.”

Fellner added of Trash’s Best Film Not in the English Language nomination: “That’s very gratifying. Stephen [Daldry] has made a beautiful film

“It was a complex film as it was made predominantly by Brazilians, alongside Kris Thykier, Stephen, myself and Tim [Bevan] and the first assistant director. It is a very foreign film.”

The Theory of Everything

EDDIE REDMAYNE (actor): “I am so proud to be a part of this film. It was a great privilege to get to play such an extraordinary man and to be recognised by Bafta means the world. I will be having a glass or three of something to celebrate.”

JAMES MARSH (director): “For a British film maker with a film that engages with the lives of British characters who have lived such extraordinary and exemplary lives, the nominations from BAFTA are one of the most thrilling and valuable honours I could hope for.

So it’s a great day for me and for the film and all the many people who worked with me on it.

ANTHONY MCCARTEN (writer): “My thanks to BAFTA, to the team who helped make this film, and again and again to Jane and Stephen for their trust and living example. Humanity may be the stuff of stardust and atomic waste  but it would count for little without the power of human reason  and of love.”

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel led the pack with 11 nominations, including a leading actor nod for Ralph Fiennes. The actor, who has now been nominated six times for the award (winning once for Schindler’s List in 1994), plays flamboyant hotel concierge Monsieur Gustave H in the comedy.

He said of his nomination: “I’m delighted of course, merci Madame Bafta. Dom Perignon all around for guests and staff at The Grand Budapest Hotel. And a free sample of Eau de Panache too darling.”

Wes Anderson, Steven Rales,  Scott Rudin, Jeremy Dawson, producers said: “We are all four of us thrilled, honored, humbled, elated — and deeply grateful to the British Academy for this recognition of our movie.”

The Imitation Game

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH (actor): “I am really thrilled and honoured not only to be considered worthy to keep the company of my fellow nominees and their exceptional work of inspiring brilliance but also to have been nominated by the members of Bafta who are the men and women who make our film industry the envy of the world.”

“I’m bursting with pride for myself Keira, Graham and the film. Thank you so, so much.

GRAHAM MOORE (writer): “I’m so grateful to BAFTA for this stunning honor. I want to thank BAFTA for helping us to celebrate the life and legacy of Alan Turing, who so tragically never got to experience such accolades in his own life. This is a moment we can only wish that Alan could see.”

HARVEY WEINSTEIN: “I am thrilled and so thankful for all of the support for ‘The Imitation Game’. It’s been an honour to work with this tremendously talented cast in bringing Alan Turing’s story, which is not widely known outside of the UK, to audiences around the world.  

“He was a hero, an innovator and a pioneer. The film was made on just $14 million and I am so happy that all the hard work and passion for the film has come together and been recognized by so many.”

BLACK BEAR PICTURES & BRISTOL AUTOMOTIVE: “Our deepest gratitude to BAFTA for nominating The Imitation Game for nine awards. We congratulate and thank our entire cast and crew, led by director Morten Tyldum, for their tremendous dedication.

“Our intention was to highlight the life and work of one of Britain’s greatest heroes, and to ensure that Alan Turing’s legacy would not be forgotten. Today, we feel one step closer to achieving that goal.

Boyhood

RICHARD LINKLATER (director): “I am honoured that BAFTA has given Boyhood five nominations. It is thrilling to receive this recognition, and I am especially pleased for my fellow nominees who have been such passionate and dedicated collaborators over these last 12 years.

Big Eyes

HARVEY WEINSTEIN: “I am honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Tim Burton, Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz on ‘Big Eyes’. It was an extraordinary moment and I am so thrilled for the amazing cast and team who helped to bring the story behind Margaret Keane’s art work to light and give her the recognition she deserved for so many years.”

Big Hero 6

DON HALL (director): “On behalf of the incredibly passionate and talented crew of Big Hero 6, Chris [Williams], Roy [Conli], and I would like to thank everyone at BAFTA for honoring our film with this nomination. We look forward to celebrating with our fellow nominees.”

Kajaki: The True Story

PAUL KATIS (director), ANDREW DE LOTBINIERE (producer): “We are both very chuffed to have been nominated for Kajaki. The True Story. Recognition for our work is recognition of the whole team who worked so hard to bring this story to the screen.

“We’d also like to think it is acknowledgement for the story itself and the soldiers whose story it is. This is the first British film to portray our troops in a real incident from a contemporary conflict and we’re very gratified that the British Academy have recognised its value. 

“We couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement of everyone who was there that day and especially Bob and Jem Wright for allowing us to tell Mark’s story.”

Film4

Film4 films received 10 nominations in this year’s BAFTA’s, including nominations for Yann Demange’s ’71 and Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin in the Outstanding British Film category. Mike Leigh’s most commercially successful film to date, Mr. Turner, received four nominations.

David Kosse, director of Film4, said: “We are thrilled that BAFTA have recognised the work of our filmmakers, of whom we’re very proud. Huge congratulations to all our nominees and we wish them all the very best of luck at the awards.”

BFI (British Film Institute)

Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, said: “The extraordinary range of talent and skills that make Britain’s film industry so vibrant are rightly in the international spotlight today.

“It’s thrilling to see this year’s BAFTA nominations recognise so many new and emerging UK filmmakers, it is their creative vision and broad range of voices and styles that ensure the UK’s independent sector is an engine room of creativity for British filmmaking, and help to keep UK film at the top of its game. My warmest congratulations go to all today’s nominees.”

Ben Roberts, director of the BFI Film Fund: “It’s been a vintage year for original British filmmaking, and so satisfying here at the Film Fund to see much of it being recognised by BAFTA.

“With new filmmakers breaking through on shorts and first features, we’ve got a lot to be proud of, and much to look forward to. Congratulations to all the nominees.”

British films nominated and supported by the BFI Film Fund include Mr. Turner, Pride, ‘71, 20,000 Days On Earth and Under The Skin.

Film London

Filmmaking talent backed by Film London are among the nominees. Hong Khaou’s Lilting has been nominated for the Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director or Producer award. The film was made through the training-through-production scheme Film London Microwave.

Aleem Khan’s Three Brothers has been nominated in the British Short Film category. Three Brothers was produced via Film London’s London Calling Plus scheme, which funds, champions and supports black, Asian and minority ethnic filmmaking talent from across the capital. 

Paul Katis’ Kajaki: The True Story was also nominated in the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer category. Kajaki was supported through Film London’s Build Your Audience initiative, a training scheme which helps filmmakers explore ways of selling, distributing and marketing their releases.

Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Today’s nominations are a real testament to the skill, vision and talent of the filmmaking teams behind Lilting and Three Brothers.

“These nominations also show Film London cementing its status as a backer of the capital’s best, brightest and most distinctive talent by ensuring exciting new voices can be heard through schemes like Microwave and London Calling Plus. I’d like to offer my wholehearted congratulations to all of the nominees and will be waiting with bated breath for the winners to be announced.”