For the fourth year in a row, British actors are mostly missing from themain acting awards at the 79th Bafta Film Awards.
Only five UK actors are nominated across all categories, with just one in the best leading actor slot. Most nominees are foreign stars in American or European films. This has caused concern in the UK film industry.
Experts say the trend shows how global cinema dominates awards, leaving British performers in the shadows. The lack of recognition also shows a disturbing growing gap between national talent and international exposure.
Robert Aramayo, from Yorkshire, is the only British actor nominated for Best Leading Actor. He is recognised for his role inI Swear, a drama about a Scottish man with severe Tourette's syndrome.
Despite his nomination, he is seen as an outsider. The favourite is American-French actor Timothée Chalamet, who stars in the sports comedyMarty Supreme.
Industry experts say the awards favour international productions. According toThe Telegraph, Rebecca O'Brien, a UK producer, said that the Baftas face a difficult balance.
She said: 'In other countries, you have awards for national film industries, like the Goyas in Spain and the Césars in France. The Baftas fall between two stools: it's both a British awards show and an Oscars bellwether.'
This shows the awards are no longer focused only on UK talent. Instead, they often measure British success against international standards.
UK actors also face tough competition in supporting roles. Peter Mullan, nominated for best supporting actor forI Swear, is the only Brit in that category. Bookmakers give him little chance, with American and European actors tipped to win.
For best supporting actress, three British actors, including Carey Mulligan forThe Ballad of Wallis Island, are nominated. However, they face strong competition from stars from the US and Norway.
Source: International Business Times UK
