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BAFTA Awards 2017: La La Land Does Another Big Victory Dance

Musical comedy La La Land has continued its award season domination, taking home five trophies at the 70th British Academy of Film and Television Awards [BAFTAs].

Emma Stone won best leading actress for her role in the musical hit. Among La La Land’s other awards for the night included best original music and cinematography.

The film’s director, Damien Chazelle, also didn’t escape unnoticed – winning the category for best director.

During her acceptance speech, Emma said working on La La Land was one of the best experiences of her life.

“In a time that’s so divisive I think it’s really special that we were able to come together … to celebrate the positive gift of creativity and how it can transcend borders,” she said.

“It can help people to feel a little less alone.”

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Emma’s co-star Ryan Gosling missed out on winning best actor. He was beaten by Casey Affleck for his role in Manchester by the Sea – which also pocketed the gong for best original screenplay.

In total, La La Land took home five of the 11 BAFTA awards it was nominated for.

Manchester by the Sea was a double winner; Kenneth Lonergan took home the gong for Best Original Screenplay.

Lion was the big success story for Australia, taking Best Adapted Screenplay for Luke Davies and Best Supporting Actor for Dev Patel.

The film, which follows an Australian man attempting to find his Indian family also stars Nicole Kidman.

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She was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in the film, but went home empty-handed. She was beaten by Viola Davis for her role in American drama Fences.

Dev Patel, 26, who is nominated in the same category at the Oscars, initially appeared speechless after his breakthrough win.

“Wow, that just happened”, before describing the win as “so overwhelming”.

Backstage, the Briton said his family was with him for the ceremony, adding: “I used to watch this with them, in Rayners Lane on the end of the Piccadilly Line. It’s an out-of-body experience.”

For the full list of winners, click here.

James Graham

With over 20 years as a journalist and TV producer, James Graham has a wealth of experience covering the full media spectrum. James has a formidable reputation as a talented media veteran and worked as a reporter, script writer and as the producer of the TV documentary The Road To Athens. He has worked across newspapers, radio and the biggest flagship magazine brands in Australia and New Zealand. Previously, James was the News Director at Woman's Day and New Idea. Whether filing celebrity exclusives, or some of the biggest real-life splashes of recent years, James’ career has always been at the frontline of mainstream media. When not writing, you’ll find him at Royal Randwick, his beloved Long Reef Golf Club on the Northern Beaches – or visiting his mum in his native New Zealand.