World War I epic 1917 has won the coveted Best Film award at the 2020 BAFTAs, with the film's director, Sam Mendes, having also scooped gongs for Best Director, Outstanding British Film, Special Visual Effects, Sound, Production Design and Cinematography earlier this evening.
The war biopic is set in the north of France and tells the story of two young British soldiers named Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman).
The pair are asked undertake 'a seemingly impossible mission to deliver a message which will warn of an ambush during one of the skirmishes soon after the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich'.
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In addition to MacKay and Chapman, the film boasts a strong cast, including Mark Strong (Kingsman and Sherlock Holmes), Andrew Scott (Fleabag), Richard Madden (Bodyguard and Game of Thrones) and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Released at the beginning of this year, the film has already been likened to Saving Private Ryan, and has received praise across the board from critics and audiences alike - particularly for relatively unknown actor George MacKay, who plays one of the lead roles.
Having been nominated for an impressive nine accolades at the 73rd BAFTA ceremony, the film managed to beat Joker, The Irishman, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Parasite to the night's most coveted prize.
The harrowing movie won Best Motion Picture at the Golden Globes last month, which could be a good indication - last year Bohemian Rhapsody won the same award at both ceremonies.
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In fact, 1917 has even become the bookies' favourite to win the Oscar for Best Picture at next week's Academy Awards.
The film is odds on to win the award - at 4/6 - followed by Parasite and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (6/1) and Joker (14/1).
The epic WWI movie is also up against the likes of Ford v Ferrari (250/1) and The Irishman (50/1), but it looks like 1917 is a clear winner, if the odds are anything to go by - despite not being nominated for any acting awards.
Alongside Best Picture, it's also in the running for additional awards including Best Cinematography and Best Directing, along with nominations other areas of production, sound and screenplay.
Featured Image Credit: Universal PicturesTopics: Entertainment, TV and Film
