http://www.theabstract.co.uk/2011/05/15/the-future-of-backpocket-journalism/?isalt=0

The photos are up from last night and can be found HERE.

So, the BAFTA Film Awards draw to a close for another year. The awards have all been handed out and as the winners (and losers) totter off to their cabs, no doubt off to some debauched after-party, it’s time to reflect on another fantastically executed awards ceremony in London and what has been an outstanding year for film.

Not wanting to lull those foreign stars into feeling too at home, the rain dutifuly arrived an hour before the stars began arriving. Jesse Eisenburg, who always comes across as a shy bloke, was one of the first A-listers to arrive although any hopes he may have had of navigating the red carpet without attracting too much attention were soon dashed, as the rain had not dampened the spirits of the noisy fans. Award ceremony regulars such as Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson got some of the biggest cheers of the night. The BAFTA Awards have done well to reinvigorate themselves over the last few years, and while 2011 may not have been the best year for Hollywood A-Lister attendance (Brangelina anyone?), it most certainly did not disappoint - surprise attendees included Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Alba.

The King’s Speech was tipped by many to win big tonight and it indeed dominated the awards, scooping seven of the fourteen awards it was nommed for, including wins for Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffery Rush. Perhaps we shouldn’t be that surprised to see British film doing well here, after all home advantage isn’t just for sport. Nevertheless, that films such as The King’s Speech and the Harry Potter films have had a lasting impact internationally speaks louder than any number of BAFTAs about the UK film industry’s continuing ability to punch well above its weight.

What other sites are saying:

• Did the King Rule at the BAFTA Awards? (eonline.com)
• “”King’s Speech” Leads BAFTA Awards” and related posts (indiewire.com)
• ‘King’s Speech’ rules British film awards (cnn.com)
• Stars out for the Bafta awards (mirror.co.uk)
• ‘King’s Speech’ big winner at British film awards (boston.com)
• ‘Harry Potter’ Series to Get British Film Honor (abcnews.go.com)

10.54pm: How nice of Jonathan Woss to wear his midlife crisis on his face, for all to see

10.39pm: It’s confirmed! Samuel L Jackson is indeed wearing trainers with his tux… But as I said, we’ll forgive him! We’ll also forgive him for borrowing Harry Potter’s glasses