David Tennant, the popular Scottish actor known for his roles in Doctor Who and Broadchurch, is set to host the upcoming British Academy Film Awards on February 18th. In a recent interview, Tennant expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating that hosting the ceremony is far more relaxing than being a nervous nominee.
As the master of ceremonies, Tennant finds himself in a privileged position without the added pressure of wondering whether he will win an award or not. Unlike the nominees, he won't find himself hastily preparing an acceptance speech on the back of an envelope. Instead, he can enjoy the evening without the nervous anticipation of a potential win.
While many comedians who host awards ceremonies come under intense scrutiny for their performances, Tennant believes there is less pressure on actors in a hosting role. He humorously admits that hosting is not his day job and therefore expectations are lower. If he happens to do a terrible job, he doesn't have to worry about the impact on his stand-up career.
Tennant is looking forward to entertaining both the A-list audience and viewers at home. He won't have to navigate the fine line between insulting or amusing the audience, which can be particularly challenging for comedians. 'My stand-up career will not stand or fall on how this goes. Which, again, slightly takes the pressure off me. I’m just gonna have a really good time,' Tennant shared.
Joining Tennant to entertain the nominees at the Royal Festival Hall will be musicians Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Hannah Waddingham. Ellis-Bextor will perform her hit song 'Murder on the Dancefloor,' which gained popularity again through its appearance in Emerald Fennell's nominated film, 'Saltburn.'
Tennant acknowledges the mixed emotions that come with attending a high-stakes awards ceremony. He describes the atmosphere as filled with nervous energy and excitement, but also notes that they can go on for seemingly endless hours. His hope is to keep everyone engaged and celebratory throughout the event without feeling too desperate for dinner.
Moving on to the nominations, the atom-bomb epic 'Oppenheimer' leads the race for the BAFTA trophies with an impressive 13 nominations, including Best Film. 'Poor Things,' a gothic fantasia, follows closely behind with 11 nominations, while 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and 'The Zone of Interest' received nine nominations each.
Only two individuals are aware in advance that they will be making speeches on the night. Samantha Morton will receive the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, while June Givanni, the founder of The June Givanni PanAfrican Archive, will be honored with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award.
As for Tennant's personal experience of being in the room where the winners are announced, he finds it a mix of excitement, intimidation, and overwhelm. Surrounded by renowned and famous individuals, the experience can be both prickly and exhilarating.
When asked whether he plans to use the opportunity to audition for BAFTA-nominated director Martin Scorsese, Tennant jokingly mentions the possibility of quoting lines from 'Taxi Driver.' While it may be unlikely, he playfully adds that anything can happen.
Lastly, Tennant acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster that nominees go through during the ceremony. Sitting among their competitors, with cameras capturing their reactions, can be both thrilling and soul-crushing. He emphasizes that being nominated is still a significant achievement, even if one doesn't win.
In the end, Tennant believes it is this combination of excitement and anticipation that keeps viewers tuning in to award shows year after year. With his wit and charm, it's safe to say that he will undoubtedly add his unique touch to the British Academy Film Awards, making it a memorable evening for both the attendees and the audience watching from home.
