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As the BAFTA nominations for 2024 are unveiled this week, it's a time of celebration and anticipation for the outstanding talents in the film industry. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the luminaries who, though no longer with us, left a memorable mark on the world of cinema.
In this tribute article, we remember some of the big names who continue to shine through their extraordinary contributions and unforgettable performances that earned them either a BAFTA award or nomination.
Chadwick Boseman
29 November 1976 - 28 August 2020
- BAFTA Nominated: Best Actor in a Leading Role | Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Remembering BAFTA Nominated Actor, Chadwick Boseman
The world mourned the sudden loss of Chadwick Boseman, whose stellar performance as Levee Green in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom earned him a BAFTA nomination for Leading Actor. Boseman's legacy transcends the screen, symbolising strength and resilience. He courageously kept his colon cancer diagnosis private in 2016, continuing to act in 10 popular films before his passing. As we celebrate his achievements, we should also pay homage to his Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Black Panther in 2019.
Alan Rickman
21 February 1946 - 14 January 2016
- BAFTA Award: Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
- BAFTA Nominated: Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Truly, Madly, Deeply, Sense and Sensibility and Michael Collins
Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman in the 1990 film Truly, Madly, Deeply which earned Rickman a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor
Alan Rickman's contributions to cinema extended beyond his BAFTA-winning performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. As a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, his artistry enriched the stage and screen, captivating audiences across generations with his distinctive voice and versatile talents. Rickman's legacy stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill and enduring impact on the world of acting.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
23 July 1967 - 2 February 2014
- BAFTA Award: Best Actor in a Leading Role | Capote
- BAFTA Nominated: Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Charlie Wilson's War, Doubt, The Ides of March and The Master
Tom Hanks with Philip Seymour Hoffman in scene from Charlie Wilson's War which earned Hoffman a BAFTA nomination for Best supporting actor.
Philip Seymour Hoffman left an indelible mark on the film industry with his nuanced performances, earning him a BAFTA for his role as Truman Capote in Capote. His incredible range and dedication to his craft were unparalleled. Hoffman's passing in 2014 was a profound loss to the film industry, but let us be grateful for his body of work that continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers and fans alike.
Robin Williams
21 July 1951 - 11 August 2014
- BAFTA Nominated: Best Film Actor in a Leading Role | Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society
Robin Williams and Matt Damon as Will Hunting in a scene from 1997 film 'Good Will Hunting' which earned Williams a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor
Robin Williams was a comedic genius and a versatile actor who earned a BAFTA nomination for his leading role in Good Will Hunting. His ability to seamlessly transition between humour and drama left a special mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. Williams' departure in 2014 was a loss not just to Hollywood but to the world of laughter and joy.
Read our tribute to Robin Williams and his greatest movie moments here
Lauren Bacall
16 September 1924 - 12 August 2014
- BAFTA Nominated: Best Actress in a Leading Role | The Shootist. Best Actress in a Supporting Role | The Mirror Has Two Faces
Lauren Bacall 1945 press photo
Lauren Bacall was an iconic American actress of the Golden Era known for her sultry voice and captivating presence. Her iconic screen performance in The Mirror Has Two Faces, directed by and starring Barbra Streisand, Bacall portrayed Hannah Morgan, the domineering mother of Streisand's shy, plain Rose. Also named the 20th-greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute, Bacall's alluring talents will forever be admired and remembered for generations to come.
RELATED ARTICLE: Read celebrities famous last words here
Elizabeth Taylor
27 February 1932 - 23 March 2011
- BAFTA Award: Best British Actress | Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
- BAFTA Nominated: The Taming of the Shrew and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof which earned Taylor a BAFTA nomination.
Elizabeth Taylor, a timeless beauty and legendary actress, began her career as a child actress in the 1940s. She achieved stardom in the 1950s, becoming one of the most popular figures in classical Hollywood cinema. In the 1960s, Taylor earned the distinction of being the world's highest-paid movie star and remained a well-known public figure throughout her life.
Audrey Hepburn
4 May 1929 - 20 January 1993
- BAFTA Award: Best British Actress | Roman Holiday, The Nun's Story and Charade
- BAFTA Nominated: Best British Actress | Sabrina and War and Peace
William Holden and Audrey Hepburn in a scene from Sabrina which earned Hepburn a BAFTA nomination
Audrey Kathleen Hepburn (née Ruston) was a celebrated British actress, acknowledged as both a film and fashion icon. The American Film Institute honoured her as the third-greatest female screen legend of Classical Hollywood cinema and she earned a prestigious place in the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List.
Read our Tribute to screen legend, Audrey Hepburn here
James Dean
8 February 1931 - 30 September 1955
- BAFTA Nominated: Best Foreign Actor | Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden
Actor James Dean appears in a scene from the 1956 movie, "Giant"
James Dean, a Hollywood heartthrob and cultural icon, which despite a brief five-year career, left an immeasurable impact on cinema and culture, particularly embodying teenage disillusionment and social estrangement in iconic roles like Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause, Cal Trask in East of Eden and Jett Rink in Giant.
What does BAFTA mean?
BAFTA stands for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. It is an independent charity that supports, promotes and honours excellence in film and television through its awards ceremonies, including the BAFTA Film Awards.
Does a film have to be British to win a BAFTA?
No, a film does not have to be British to win a BAFTA. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recognises excellence in film from around the world. While there are categories specifically dedicated to British films, many awards, including acting and directing, are open to international productions.
Is BAFTA more prestigious than Oscar?
The prestige of the BAFTA Awards and the Oscars (Academy Awards) is subjective and often depends on individual perspectives. Both awards are highly respected within the entertainment industry. The BAFTA Awards celebrate achievements in British and international cinema, while the Oscars are widely regarded as the most prestigious film awards globally.
The BAFTA awards serve as a reminder that the art of filmmaking is timeless and the legacies of these talented individuals will forever live on in the hearts of film lovers around the globe.
By Kirsten Jakubenko
