Report 1: SUNDAY, 25, BAFTA'S  

Roll Out The Red Carpet
25/02/2001

Anxious star-spotters have been filling London’s Leicester Square all afternoon in anticipation of the biggest event in Britain’s film calendar, The Orange British Academy Film Awards. The wait has been long, the weather cold, but fans have certainly not been left disappointed. Strolling down the walkway to be greeted by the screaming throngs were the likes of Russel Crowe, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Hanks, Richard E Grant and Rachel Weisz.

Sporting an uncharacteristically non-floppy coiffeur was Hugh Grant, freshly trimmed for his role in About a Boy. Describing his dishevelled spiky 'do' as the new "hip Hugh", Britain’s favourite bumbler was only just upstaged by Kate Winslet. The ever-buxom starlet glided into view sporting a particularly chest-hugging outfit., “I’ve just finished breast feeding,” she explained, "I’m still a bit ‘full’,as it were. So I thought why not show it off?" Why not indeed.

Ever-droll English wit Stephen Fry picked up hosting honours with characteristic aplomb. kicking off in style, “My lords, ladies, gentlemen… and Americans,” Fry proceeded to allay any fears that this year’s ceremony would go down the same dismal road taken by Jack Docherty, who brought last year’s awards to new levels of cringeworthiness.

With Billy Elliot having already nabbed the award for best British Film and Crouching Tiger secured it’s first gong for best music the competition is heating up. We’ll bring you more from the ceremony as events unfold