Comedies up for Baftas

Paddington Bear is taking on Stalin in the battle of the Baftas.

Armando Iannucci’s Soviet-era satire The Death Of Stalin is facing the family comedy sequel in two of the most important categories of the film awards.

Both are up for outstanding British film and for best adapted screenplay.

Iannucci adapted his film from a French graphic novel of the same name with the help of David Schneider, Ian Martin and Peter Fellows; while Paddington 2 was written by its director Paul King and comedy stalwart Simon Farnaby.

Paddington notched up a further nomination in today’s shortlist, with a nod to Hugh Grant for best supporting actor.

Also up for most outstanding British film are the Churchill drama  Darkest Hour, the Yorkshire-based rural drama God’s Own Country, period drama Lady Macbeth and the dark crime comedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

While the adapted screenplay shortlist also includes coming-of-age drama Call Me By Your Name, biographical rom-com Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool and Molly’s Game, Aaron Sorkin’s biographical debut about a champion skier who ran a poker ring.

The awards will be handed out on February 18, hosted by Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley, after Stephen Fry stepped down from presenting duties after 12 years.

Published: 9 Jan 2018