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screening so many nominated films, are developing their own kind of Awards fever. Without mentioning all the screenings, we did get a good cross-section from the large to the small, the formal to the informal.
Sir Michael Caine was a won- derful guest for the screening and Q&A that followed for The Quiet American in November. This is a film that he felt great affec- tion towards and it showed in his enthusiasm for the story and Philip Noyce’s direction.
A few weeks earlier, MGM held nothing back for the screening and reception of Die Another Day, attended by our very own BAFTA Trustee, Sir Howard Stringer. Gangs of New York was another block- buster event, attended by Harvey Weinstein, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Day Lewis. Martin and Daniel did a panel discussion for us.
Other prestigious, well attend- ed, events include a screening and Q&A with George Clooney for Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind, the new film that marks his directorial debut. Sam Rockwell who played the lead also attend- ed. Mike Leigh was on hand to introduce his new film, All or Nothing, and Stephen Daldry did a lively Q&A after the screening of The Hours.
Some of our screenings were for international fare and included Almodovar’s Talk To Her, City of God, attended by Brazilian direc- tor Fernando Mareilles, and the Australian Rabbit Proof Fence with a Q&A from director Philip Noyce. It was a wonderful cross section. We also recognized upcoming tal- ent from the UK with our New Directions 2002 event featuring half a dozen short films from some of the best new British directors.
The BAFTA Holiday party was particularly well attended this year and hosted by British Consul General Tom Harris and his wife. There was a change of address as the British Government has taken a new residence on the Upper East Side, which is lovely.
And now the countdown to the Awards themselves and the party we will be holding. For the
third year running, BAFTA East Coast will take a live feed from London and so our party will start mid-afternoon. Over 250 mem- bers and guests attended last year. This year we expect an even greater attendance.
and experiences of the filmmak- ing process with our members. 2002 saw the busiest and most successful Events Calendar ever presented by BAFTA/LA and with the tireless work of the Board, Committees and Office staff, this impressive track-record is set to flourish over the next 12 months.
Photos opposite page left: Bryn Roberts (Chair, BAFTA Cymru) Richard Houdmont (Dep. Director University of Wales Press) John Hefin (Film producer) and Peter Stead; top right: Scotland’s New Talent Awards presenter Rhona Cameron; Winners Kathleen McDermott (Best Actress) and Martin Compston (Best Actor) (Photos by Alan Wylie)
This page above l-r: Group picture from The Hours at BAFTA LA Tea Party; Nicole Kidman and Michael Caine at Tea Party; Daniel Day Lewis and Christina Thomas (Chair, BAFTA East Coast)
BT A F T A L A
he past year featured a busy calendar for BAFTA/LA. Major
Annual Britannia Awards in April, the Tribute to John Schlesinger and presentation of the BAFTA Lifetime Achievement award in May, the 16th Annual Garden Party in June, and, in October, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais joined us for the latest in our pop- ular ‘Behind Closed Doors’ series.
2003 is already shaping up to build on the success of the past year. On January 18, BAFTA/LA hosted its 9th Annual Tea Party at the Park Hyatt Hotel Los Angeles at Century City.
This hugely popular event is now a staple fixture in the Industry’s calendar, giving mem- bers and other filmmakers, including many potential nomi- nees for the BAFTA Film Awards, the opportunity to relax in the unique setting of a tea party before the frenzied awards sea- son gets fully underway.
Talent from both sides of the Atlantic soaked up the distinctively British atmosphere. Amongst the 400 in attendance were award- winning actors and filmmakers including Sir Michael Caine, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Hugh Grant, Stephen Daldry, Minnie Driver, Salma Hayek, Brendan Fraser, Nia Vardalos, Sam Rockwell, Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Alfred Molina, Mena Suvari, Michael York, Antwone Fisher, Stephen Frears, Todd Haynes, Julie Taymor, Harvey Weinstein, Scott Rudin, and Sigourney Weaver.
Many of the talent in atten- dance previously participated in lively Q&A sessions with BAFTA/LA members as part of its continually growing screening schedule. In the past year, filmmakers of the highest calibre have attended screenings to share their thoughts
th events included the 11
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