The ongoing British Academy of Films and Television Arts Awards 2022 (BAFTA) saw several celebrities arrive at its red carpet, flaunting glam outfits paired with accessories that symbolized the colours of Ukraine’s flag to show support for the war-hit country.
English actor Benedict Cumberbatch wore a badge with the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Speaking about “standing in solidarity”, the actor told BBC News, “This is a celebration of an industry that’s about imagery, and images speaking as loud as if not louder sometimes than words. So it’s a small gesture.”
He added, “But away from this, what we all have to do is continue to put pressure on our politicians as far as the refugee crisis goes, continue to put pressure on the Putin regime, continue to help in any which way we can, whether that’s through donations or housing refugees, all of which I’m looking to do and have done.”
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Cumberbatch has been nominated for the best actor award for his performance in the 2021 western drama film, ‘The Power of the Dog’. The film has bagged eight BAFTA nominations.
Best actor nominee Stephen Graham wore a blue and yellow bow inspired by the flag of Ukraine. Highlighting the importance of acknowledging the war, Graham stated, “I want to show my support and solidarity for what we’re going to go through.”
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“We are hugely grateful to the journalists and filmmakers covering Ukraine, many of whom are Bafta members, who are bravely reporting and documenting the conflict and humanitarian crisis,” said Bafta chairman Krishnendu Majumdar.
While many took the accessory route to display solidarity for Ukraine, BAFTA host Rebel Wilson accessorized her own finger, sending a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a loud gesture. “And this is the gesture for Putin,” Wilson said as she pulled up a middle finger.